Babar meets Naqvi amid speculation over captaincy

By Our Correspondent
March 29, 2024
Naqvi (R) and Azam (L) had a detailed conversation about the possibility of the latter take charge as captain of the national side once again. - PCB/File
Naqvi (R) and Azam (L) had a detailed conversation about the possibility of the latter take charge as captain of the national side once again. - PCB/File 

LAHORE: Former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, having recently performed Umrah, has returned to Lahore amid swirling rumors regarding his potential reinstatement as captain of the national cricket team.

However, despite his arrival, Azam has not yet joined the ongoing fitness camp, opting instead to rest before his anticipated participation in the camp commencing the following day. Sources close to the situation revealed that Azam, upon his return, expressed a desire to recuperate before engaging in rigorous training. He emphasized his eagerness to resume practicing ahead of the upcoming series against New Zealand. Azam is expected to join the fitness camp alongside teammates Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan in Kakul in the coming days.

The ongoing fitness camp, which commenced on March 26 and includes 29 participating players, is a crucial precursor to the selection of the squad for the upcoming fixtures against New Zealand. The PCB is closely monitoring the players’ performance in the camp, which will play a pivotal role in shaping the final squad composition.

In the midst of these developments, Babar Azam reportedly met with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore to discuss speculations surrounding the national team’s captaincy. The meeting fueled further conjecture about Azam potentially reassuming leadership responsibilities within the squad.

The discussion between Naqvi and Azam revolved around the possibility of Azam reclaiming the captaincy, with recent changes in leadership prompting deliberations about the team’s future direction. Notably, Shaheen Afridi replaced Azam as T20I captain, while Shan Masood took over leadership duties in Test cricket last year.

The decision regarding Shaheen Afridi’s tenure as captain of the T20I side remains pending, with the PCB indicating that a determination will be made post the conclusion of the ongoing fitness camp. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the need for a long-term solution, emphasizing stability and continuity in leadership decisions.