Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, has drawn criticism after team’s lackluster performance in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup in Australia. In addition to his batting issues, Babar’s leadership abilities have also been tested on a few occasions in the T20 world cup 2022. He was criticized as well after Pakistan lost to Zimbabwe in a thriller with a low score. Now that they are in third place in Group 2, Babar and his team have a very difficult road to the semifinals ahead of them.
Salman Butt, a former captain and opener, criticized the team’s performance as well as Babar’s leadership. On the other hand, former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam stated that Shan Masood could be a better candidate for the captaincy than Babar Azam. In addition, many senior Pakistani players have harshly criticized Babar for failing to make timely decisions during the ongoing T20 World Cup. So, what happens after the World Cup? Will the PCB look to appoint a new T20I captain? If so, let’s look at some possible choices.
Mohammad Rizwan
One of the most seasoned players on the Pakistani team is Mohammad Rizwan. The wicketkeeper-batter, who maintains composure under pressure, is arguably the best choice to succeed Babar as Pakistan’s T20I captain. He has extensive leadership experience, having last year guided the Multan Sultans to the coveted Pakistan Super League (PSL) championship. Rizwan has also gained sufficient international experience to lead the Men in Green.
Rizwan would be the ideal person to call the shots as Pakistan looks ahead in the future because he is a wicketkeeper and has a complete view of the field. He has already commanded the team in two Test matches. Rizwan has yet to lead Pakistan in a limited-overs cricket match, though.
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Shadab Khan
Another player who has the potential to lead Pakistan in T20 Internationals is all-arounder Shadab Khan. He could be a good choice to take Babar’s place because he regularly plays for the T20I team. The current vice-captain excels in the game’s shortest format and can inspire his teammates by leading from the front. Three T20Is have already been played with Shadab as their captain, with one victory and two defeats.
Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen Afridi, a left-arm pacer, has become a global superstar and is well-liked by his teammates. One of the few cricketers from Pakistan with the credentials to succeed Babar, he is a sure-fire starter in all formats. Shaheen has previously led the Karachi Kings to the PSL championship earlier this year. If the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decides to relieve Babar of his short-format captaincy responsibilities, it is unclear whether they will place their trust in Shaheen.
