Following Babar Azam’s decision to step down as Pakistan’s captain to focus on his batting, experienced wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has become the leading contender to take over the white-ball captaincy.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce the squad for upcoming tours to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa soon, with Rizwan being a strong candidate due to his seniority and leadership experience.
Rizwan has successfully led teams in both domestic cricket and the Pakistan Super League (PSL), making him a favored choice among selectors and coaches alike. According to a reliable PCB source, “Rizwan’s seniority, reliability as a player, and experience of leading teams well in domestic cricket and PSL make him the front runner for the captaincy.”
PCB Consults Key Figures for Captaincy Decision
In the past few days, the PCB selectors have met with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten to finalize the leadership decision. A decision is expected soon, with the white-ball squad set to be announced by Sunday, ahead of their departure for Australia.
The PCB has granted selectors the authority to choose the captain, and they have already spoken to Rizwan about his willingness to take on the role. Key figures in Pakistani cricket, including Aaqib Javed, Azhar Ali, and Aleem Dar, have reportedly been involved in these discussions, highlighting the importance of this decision.
Balancing Seniority and Youth in the Squad
As Pakistan prepares for their extensive white-ball series, which includes nine One Day Internationals (ODIs) and as many T20 matches, the selectors are keen to maintain a balance between seniority and fresh talent. Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah, who were rested for the final two Tests against England, are expected to return to the white-ball squad.
Additionally, the selectors are looking to include young players to gain valuable experience. There is a possibility of different squads being announced for the three tours to provide exposure to new players while giving senior players some rest. This strategic mix of experience and youth could provide Pakistan with both stability and opportunity in the upcoming series.
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