PCB Plans To Assign 3 Different Captains For Each Formats – Reports

Pakistan cricket is undergoing a significant transition, with the potential appointment of three separate captains for different formats of the game. This comes after Babar Azam, the nation’s star batter, stepped down from his role as the white-ball captain. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering this change to better manage the workload of its top players.

Babar Azam’s resignation and its impact

According to reports, Babar tendered his resignation as the white-ball captain to focus more on his batting, particularly with the ODI World Cup on the horizon. Babar Azam’s resignation brings to light the critical issue of workload management, which has become a focal point in Pakistan cricket’s leadership discussions.

With tours scheduled across Australia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and beyond, followed by the ICC Champions Trophy, the need for strategic rest and rotation has never been more evident. Players like Babar and Rizwan, who are crucial in all formats, face the risk of burnout without proper workload management.

Why separate captains for different formats?

The idea of having separate captains for different formats is not new, but it is becoming more prevalent as the demands of international cricket grow. The fast pace of T20s, the strategy-heavy nature of ODIs, and the endurance required for Test matches all call for different leadership approaches. By appointing separate captains for each format, Pakistan can better manage the workload on its players, while also ensuring that each format gets the attention it deserves from its leadership.

When it comes to replacing Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan stands out as the obvious choice. Rizwan has been one of Pakistan’s most consistent performers across all formats and is a natural leader on and off the field.

“Mohammad Rizwan is the obvious choice for the white-ball captaincy given that, along with Babar, he is the only player who is an automatic selection in all formats of the game,” said an insider.

Potential for Vice-Captain

One possible solution to managing Rizwan’s workload is the appointment of a vice-captain or deputy leader. Shadab Khan, a seasoned all-rounder, is one of the top contenders for this role. His leadership experience and ability to perform under pressure make him a strong candidate to assist Rizwan or even take over the T20I captaincy if necessary.

Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, and others have shown promise both on the field and in leadership capacities. By giving these players opportunities to lead, Pakistan can build a strong leadership pool for the future while reducing the pressure on its senior players.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s star fast bowler, is another strong candidate for leadership. As one of the team’s most influential players, Shaheen’s role in the leadership structure will be crucial moving forward.

Gary Kirsten’s perspective

Gary Kirsten has been vocal about his concerns over appointing one player to captain two formats. According to sources, Kirsten has expressed reservations about whether Rizwan could handle the dual responsibility of leading both the ODI and T20I sides, given the packed international schedule.

“Babar was captain in all three formats for more than three years, but Kirsten and the selectors have reservations over whether Rizwan could handle the workload in the coming months while also leading the side in ODIs and T20Is,” said another source.

Pakistan’s cricket schedule for the next few months is relentless. With 18 ODIs and T20Is across Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, followed by a two-Test series in South Africa, the workload on key players like Rizwan, Babar, and Shaheen will be immense. Managing this workload will require careful planning and rotation to ensure players remain fresh and fit.