PCB chair Najam Sethi has confirmed that discussions were held with Pakistan’s selection committees over Babar Azam’s role as captain, but clarified that he retains his support.
The topic of Babar’s captaincy has been keenly discussed in recent weeks, with reports that Shaheen Shah Afridi was offered the role on a permanent basis.
Sethi, who took up his post in December 2022 following the ousting of previous incumbent Ramiz Raja, has now confirmed that discussions were held with two separate committees over whether Babar should remain in charge.
“For months media and cricketing circles have been discussing pros and cons of retaining Babar Azam as captain in all formats of the game,” he tweeted. “Since this decision is ultimately Chairman’s, I have sought views of Selection Committees headed by Shahid Afridi and now Haroon Rashid.
“Both Committees thought matter merited discussion but both later came to the conclusion that the status quo should be retained. I have subsequently publicly stated this position. In the final analysis my decision will be subject to the success or failure of status quo.
“I will also be guided by what the Selectors and Director Cricket Ops and Head Coach have to say going forward. I expect they will be in the best position to advise me. Therefore we should support Babar and not make matter controversial in interests of national team.”
1/3 For months media and cricketing circles have been discussing pros and cons of retaining Babar Azam as captain in all formats of the game. Since this decision is ultimately Chairman’s, I have sought views of Selection Committees headed by Shahid Afridi and now Haroon Rashid.
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) April 10, 2023
3/3. I will also be guided by what the Selectors and Director Cricket Ops and Head Coach have to say going forward. I expect they will be in the best position to advise me. Therefore we should support Babar and not make matter controversial in interests of national team.
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) April 10, 2023
Babar has had an eventful time as Pakistan skipper. He has led the team to the semi-final and the final of the last two T20 World Cups, with the side considered contenders for this year’s Cricket World Cup, to be held in India.
However, in Test cricket he has overseen a winless stretch at home, with Pakistan’s last win in Pakistan coming in 2021, with a series defeat to Australia and a whitewash by England in that time.
