After the resignation of Babar, who is the strong candidate for the captaincy of the national team?

alertnews247

Oct 2, 2024

In a significant development within Pakistan cricket, Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan white-ball cricket team, has once again resigned from his leadership role. His resignation has sparked discussions about who will take over the captaincy. Speculation has quickly centered around Mohammad Rizwan as the top contender to replace Babar in this crucial role. This article delves into the reasons behind Babar’s resignation, the rise of Rizwan as the strongest candidate, and the potential impact on Pakistan cricket.

Babar Azam's Resignation

Babar Azam's decision to step down from the captaincy was made public on Tuesday night, and his resignation was officially accepted. This isn’t the first time Babar has relinquished the leadership, having previously resigned from all three formats after Pakistan’s poor performance in the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He later returned to captain the white-ball team ahead of the 2023 T20 World Cup. Unfortunately, following another disappointing performance, Babar has decided to step down once again.

Mohammad Rizwan – The Strongest Contender

According to inside sources, Mohammad Rizwan, the current wicketkeeper-batsman, has emerged as the strongest candidate for the captaincy. He has previously captained the team in Babar’s absence, showcasing his leadership qualities and experience. Rizwan’s consistent performances with the bat, coupled with his tactical acumen on the field, have made him the frontrunner for this vital role. Sources suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is already in discussions with Rizwan regarding his potential leadership, and he is being consulted on team selection matters.

The National Team's Leadership Journey

Babar Azam's leadership journey has been marked by ups and downs. After the 2022 World Cup debacle, Shaheen Shah Afridi was given the responsibility to lead the T20 side, while Shan Masood was handed the Test team’s captaincy. Under Shaheen’s captaincy, Pakistan participated in a series against New Zealand, which ended in defeat. Due to these mixed results, Babar was reinstated as the white-ball captain, only for him to step down again following the team’s underwhelming performance in the 2023 T20 World Cup.

Implications for Pakistan Cricket

The decision to appoint a new captain is critical for Pakistan cricket’s future. Mohammad Rizwan, with his level-headed approach and strong work ethic, seems poised to bring stability to the team. However, leadership transitions often come with challenges, including team dynamics, pressure to perform, and public scrutiny. If Rizwan is appointed, he will need to balance his responsibilities as a captain and as a key player in the team.

FAQs

Q: Why did Babar Azam resign from the captaincy?

A: Babar Azam stepped down following the national team's poor performance in the 2023 T20 World Cup. This isn't his first resignation from the captaincy, as he previously resigned after the 2022 World Cup as well.

Q: Who is the strongest candidate for the captaincy now?

A: Mohammad Rizwan is considered the strongest contender for the captaincy of the Pakistan white-ball team following Babar’s resignation.

Q: Has Mohammad Rizwan been officially appointed as captain?

A: No official announcement has been made yet, but Rizwan is reportedly in discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board and is being consulted on team matters.

Q: Who were the previous captains after Babar’s earlier resignation?

A: After Babar's earlier resignation in 2022, Shaheen Shah Afridi became the T20 captain, while Shan Masood was named captain of the Test team.

Q: What challenges will Rizwan face if he becomes captain?

A: Rizwan will face the challenge of stabilizing the team after inconsistent performances, managing expectations, and leading in high-pressure international tournaments.

Conclusion

Babar Azam’s resignation has once again left Pakistan’s white-ball cricket team in need of a new leader. Mohammad Rizwan, with his experience and leadership skills, is the strongest candidate to take over the captaincy. As discussions continue, the focus will be on ensuring the team's revival and consistent performance under new leadership. Rizwan, if appointed, will have a critical role in guiding Pakistan cricket to new heights and rebuilding confidence after recent setbacks.