Imad Wasim Surprised by Babar Azam's Reinstatement as Pakistan Captain

Imad Wasim Surprised by Babar Azam’s Reinstatement as Pakistan Captain

Pakistan’s all-rounder Imad Wasim has expressed his surprise over the decision to reinstate Babar Azam as captain of the national team in white-ball cricket. The decision came after Pakistan’s disappointing performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they failed to progress beyond the group stage.

Babar Azam had initially resigned from captaincy in all formats following Pakistan’s failure to reach the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, he was reappointed as captain just before the 2024 T20 World Cup, a move that raised eyebrows among many.

Imad Wasim, speaking on the PakPassion YouTube channel, admitted that he was taken aback by the decision. “Yes, I was surprised. But what can I say? It’s ultimately the selector’s call,” he said. “Whatever they thought was the best option, (based on that) they picked the team, they picked the captain.”

Wasim emphasized that the change in captaincy was not the sole reason for Pakistan’s poor showing at the T20 World Cup. “I don’t believe in that. I think you can make anyone captain, it’s just how you play inside the ground, it’s just the performance that matters,” he said. “Obviously, captaincy and management plays a part, but ultimately it’s all individual (performance of the players).”

Pakistan lost their opening two games in the 2024 T20 World Cup, first to co-hosts and debutants USA in a dramatic Super Over and then to arch-rivals India. The defeats effectively ended their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Wasim acknowledged that Pakistan’s performance at the tournament was disappointing, but he refused to blame it solely on the captaincy change. “I can’t put this or that on the captaincy or management. At the end of the day, it’s my personal performance as well,” he said.

The decision to reinstate Babar Azam as captain has been met with mixed reactions. Some believe that he is the best player to lead the team, while others question whether he has the necessary leadership qualities. Only time will tell whether the decision will prove to be the right one for Pakistan cricket.

Pakistan Coach Gillespie Backs Babar Azam Amidst Batting Slump

“​Humare players khelte kam, bolte zyada hai​” Younis Khan slams Babar Azam

In a candid statement, Younis Khan emphasized the significance of performance over mere talk, urging Babar to take inspiration from Indian superstar Virat Kohli.

 

Younis Khan has recently expressed his disappointment regarding Babar Azam and other players, criticizing them for prioritizing personal achievements over team success. 

He pointed out that Babar has not scored a half-century in his last 16 Test innings, which has drawn significant criticism from former players. This ongoing form slump has intensified scrutiny over Babar’s role as both a batter and a captain.

During an event, Younis emphasized that if Babar and other top players deliver on the field, the results will be evident to everyone. He mentioned, “​Humare players khelte kam, bolte zyada hai​” (Our players tend to talk more than they perform). 

Khan specifically highlighted Virat Kohli’s decision to step down from captaincy to concentrate more on his batting as a model for Babar to emulate. He stated, “Look at Virat Kohli. He chose to step down from captaincy on his own terms, and now he’s breaking records worldwide”. 

Younis reminded Babar that his appointment as captain came because he was considered the best player at the time, and therefore, there are high expectations placed upon him. 

He remarked that, “The only suggestion I have for Babar is that he should focus on his cricket”. This advice underscores the pressure on Babar not only to lead but also to perform consistently.

In addition to technical skills, Khan stressed the necessity for Babar to prioritize his fitness and work ethic. He noted that “opportunities like these don’t come around often,” urging him to seize the moment and give his best performance. 

This reflects Younis’ understanding of the hard work that underpins success at the highest levels of cricket.

 

Basit Ali Backs Mohammad Rizwan to Replace Babar Azam as Pakistan Captain

Basit Ali Backs Mohammad Rizwan to Replace Babar Azam as Pakistan Captain

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has strongly advocated for Mohammad Rizwan to replace Babar Azam as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team. Ali believes that Rizwan’s exceptional leadership skills, particularly his ability to read the pitch and adapt his tactics accordingly, make him the ideal candidate for the role.

Ali’s endorsement of Rizwan stems from his observations of Rizwan’s captaincy during the Champions One-Day Cup match between Markhors and Stallions. Rizwan’s astute decision-making and tactical adjustments played a pivotal role in Markhors’ impressive 126-run victory.

After posting a modest total of 231, Markhors faced an early setback when Babar Azam struck five consecutive fours off Shahnawaz Dahani’s bowling. However, Rizwan swiftly changed tactics, denying Dahani further overs and introducing a mix of spinners and pacers.

This strategic move proved highly effective. Naseem Shah dismissed Shan Masood, triggering a collapse in the Stallions’ batting lineup. The spin duo of Zahid Mahmood and Salman Ali Agha then ran through the remaining batters, securing a comprehensive victory for Markhors.

Ali praised Rizwan’s ability to read the pitch and adjust his tactics accordingly, a skill that he believes neither Babar Azam nor Test captain Shan Masood possess. He emphasized that Rizwan’s leadership qualities were evident in his ability to inspire his team and make quick, decisive decisions.

“The way Rizwan led the side, he proved there is no better skipper than him,” Ali said. “He has shown it with his captaincy. He read the pitch; it is a big thing. Even Babar can’t do that. I am not even talking about Shan. If you don’t make him captain at this time, then it is a loss for Pakistan. This is the best time you should make Rizwan the captain.”

Ali’s comments have sparked a debate among fans and former cricketers, with some supporting his view and others expressing reservations. However, Rizwan’s impressive leadership record and his ability to adapt to different situations make him a strong contender for the captaincy role.

Younis Khan Slams Babar Azam, Pakistan Players for Prioritizing Personal Gains

Younis Khan Slams Babar Azam, Pakistan Players for Prioritizing Personal Gains

Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has launched a scathing attack on star batter Babar Azam and other top players, accusing them of prioritizing personal gains over team goals. Younis’s criticism comes amid Pakistan’s recent struggles in both Test and white-ball cricket.

Younis highlighted the team’s failure to win games, stating that Babar and others talk more than they perform. He urged Babar to learn from Virat Kohli, who stepped down from India’s captaincy to focus on his batting.

“If Babar and other top players deliver on the field, then results will be clear to everyone. Humare players khelte kam, bolte zyada hai (I have observed that our players tend to talk more than they perform),” Younis said.

Younis also suggested that Babar focus on his fitness and work ethic, emphasizing that opportunities like these don’t come around often. He added that players should use social media wisely and let their performances on the field do the talking.

Pakistan’s head coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie have advised against hasty captaincy changes, despite recent poor performances. However, there have been calls for the removal of Shan Masood as Test captain after Pakistan’s 0-2 series defeat to Bangladesh.

A PCB source has denied media speculations about Masood and Babar’s sacking, stating that the decision on captaincy rests with the coaches and selectors.

Younis’s criticism reflects the growing frustration among former players and fans over Pakistan’s recent performances. The team’s inability to win consistently has raised questions about the leadership and commitment of the players.

Kamran Akmal Urges PCB to Retain Babar Azam as Captain, Focus on Fundamentals

Kamran Akmal Urges PCB to Retain Babar Azam as Captain, Focus on Fundamentals

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has strongly advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) against making any captaincy changes, emphasizing the need for players to improve their fundamentals to avoid costly mistakes.

Akmal’s comments come amidst reports that Babar Azam could be replaced as white-ball captain by Mohammad Rizwan. However, Akmal believes that such a move is unnecessary, especially considering Pakistan’s recent struggles in major tournaments.

“Why they wanted to bring a change now if they did not do that after losing the Asia Cup, ODI World Cup, and T20 World Cup? What difference does it make [by the way]?” Akmal questioned.

He pointed out that Pakistan’s poor performances in these tournaments were not solely due to Babar’s captaincy but rather a reflection of systemic issues within the team.

“Is it because the captain is not their favorite, and they want one of their choice? Do you think the new captain will bring Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, or Mitchell Starc into the team to boost its performance?” Akmal asked.

He stressed that the focus should be on improving the team’s fundamentals, including batting, bowling, and fielding. “If they do not get their basics right, then such blunders will continue to happen, and replacing captains will make no difference,” Akmal said.

Akmal also suggested that the entire team, including the captain, coach, and selectors, should reassess their approach and make necessary changes.

“Everyone should set their direction right and reform their thinking,” he said.

It is worth noting that Babar had stepped down as captain of all formats after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, he was reinstated as white-ball captain ahead of the 2023 T20 World Cup, replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Younis Khan Urges Babar Azam to Emulate Virat Kohli's Leadership and Performance

Younis Khan Urges Babar Azam to Emulate Virat Kohli’s Leadership and Performance

Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has urged star batsman Babar Azam to emulate Indian cricketing icon Virat Kohli’s approach to leadership and performance. Younis’s comments come amid growing pressure on Babar, who has faced scrutiny both on and off the field.

Younis emphasized that Babar’s appointment as captain was based on his exceptional talent. However, he stressed that players must prioritize performance over social media presence. “Players should use social media wisely, but their real answers should come through their performances with the bat and ball,” Younis said.

He highlighted the importance of fitness and work ethic, noting that opportunities like Babar’s captaincy do not come often. “He has achieved a lot at such a young age, but what he needs to know what he wants to achieve in the future. Captaincy is a small thing, performance is what matters,” Younis added.

Drawing a parallel with Kohli, Younis praised the Indian batsman’s decision to step down from captaincy to focus on his performance. “Look at Virat Kohli. He chose to step down from captaincy on his own terms, and now he’s breaking records worldwide. This shows that playing for the country should be the priority. If there’s any energy left, then play for yourself.”

Babar’s recent form has been a cause for concern, with his scores in the recent Test series against Bangladesh leading to his drop from the ICC top 10 rankings for batters. This slump has intensified scrutiny over his leadership in white-ball cricket, particularly after Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2024.

Younis urged Babar to focus on his fitness and work ethic, and to learn from the example of Kohli. “He needs to focus on his fitness and work ethic because opportunities like these don’t come around often,” Younis said.

Stallions Thump Lions by 133 Runs in Champions Cup Opener

Stallions Thump Lions by 133 Runs in Champions Cup Opener

In a resounding victory at the Champions Cup in Faisalabad, Stallions crushed Lions by 133 runs, led by a dominant batting performance and a clinical bowling display.

Stallions captain Mohammad Haris opted to bat first, and the team’s openers, Shan Masood and Babar Azam, provided a solid foundation with a 39-run partnership. After Masood’s dismissal, Babar took charge, scoring a steady 76 runs to anchor the innings.

Tayyab Tahir’s blistering 74 off 72 balls propelled Stallions’ total, while Haris and Hussain Talat contributed valuable cameos towards the end. The team’s aggressive approach in the final ten overs yielded 118 runs, setting a daunting target of 336 for Lions.

Lions’ chase faltered from the outset as Mohammad Ali’s early wickets removed Sajjad Ali and Abdullah Shafique. Imam-ul-Haq emerged as the lone warrior, scoring a valiant 78, but the asking rate proved insurmountable.

Haris Rauf’s three wickets and Ali’s economical spell of 2 for 18 stifled Lions’ progress. Shaheen Shah Afridi, despite a late flurry with the bat, could not prevent his team’s collapse.

Stallions’ comprehensive victory was a testament to their collective strength. Babar Azam’s leadership, the contributions of multiple batters, and the effectiveness of their bowlers proved too much for Lions to overcome.

Shaheen Afridi’s T20I Captaincy Removal Deemed “Unjust” by Moin Khan

The captaincy carousel in Pakistan cricket has been spinning rapidly in recent months, with Babar Azam relinquishing his leadership duties across formats after the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shaheen Afridi was initially appointed as T20I captain, while Shan Masood took over the reins in Test cricket. However, Pakistan’s disappointing 4-1 T20I series loss to New Zealand ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup prompted a swift change, with Babar being reinstated as white-ball captain.

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Moin Khan, a member of the 1992 ODI World Cup-winning team, has expressed his disapproval of Shaheen’s removal as T20I captain, arguing that he should have been given more time.

“Shaheen Afridi has the ability to lead the team and is highly respected by the players,” Moin told Cricket Pakistan. “He is an excellent choice for captaincy in T20s. In white-ball cricket, I don’t see anyone else suitable for the role. Removing him from the captaincy was unjust. He is one of the best T20 players, and I’ve noticed his performance has slightly declined since he was removed from the captaincy. How can you expect good performance if you don’t give players confidence? They should be given some time as captain.”

Moin also weighed in on the possibility of Mohammad Rizwan replacing Babar as white-ball captain.

“A single captain can be appointed for all formats of cricket, but it’s crucial for any player to perform across all formats to achieve this,” Moin said. “Whoever becomes captain should have the responsibility for a long term. There is no doubt about Mohammad Rizwan’s abilities; any criticism against him might be due to his age. It’s also important to consider how long he can represent the team if given leadership. Mohammad Rizwan could be a great short-term captain, but you would need to groom a young cricketer to take over in the future. We often appoint captains but fail to prepare a suitable deputy.”

The captaincy debate in Pakistan cricket is likely to continue in the lead-up to the 2024 T20 World Cup, with the team seeking stability and success under a consistent leadership structure.

Kamran Akmal Advises PCB Against Captaincy Change, Urges Focus on Basics

Kamran Akmal Advises PCB Against Captaincy Change, Urges Focus on Basics

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has strongly advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) against making any changes to the team’s captaincy. Akmal believes that the focus should be on improving the team’s fundamental skills rather than replacing the captain.

Akmal’s comments come amidst reports that Babar Azam could potentially lose his role as captain of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket team. Mohammad Rizwan is reportedly being considered as a leading candidate to replace Azam.

Akmal questioned the timing of the potential change in leadership, especially considering Pakistan’s recent setbacks under Azam’s captaincy. He pointed out that the team has failed to perform well in major tournaments such as the Asia Cup, ODI World Cup, and T20 World Cup.

“Why they wanted to bring a change now if they did not do that after losing the Asia Cup, ODI World Cup, and T20 World Cup? What difference does it make [by the way],” Akmal said.

Akmal believes that appointing a new captain will not solve the team’s problems. He emphasized the importance of players performing their basic tasks correctly to avoid mistakes.

“Is it because the captain is not their favourite, and they want one of their choice? Do you think the new captain will bring Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, or Mitchell Starc into the team to boost its performance? If they do not get their basics right, then such blunders will continue to happen, and replacing captains will make no difference,” he suggested.

Akmal also criticized the PCB’s decision to reappoint Babar Azam as captain of the white-ball format just before the T20 World Cup. He believes that the move was a “strategic mistake” that did not benefit the team.

“Babar Azam has stepped down as the captain of Pakistan’s cricket team in all formats after the team’s early exit from last year’s ODI World Cup. Recently, he was reinstated as the captain for the white-ball format, just before the T20 World Cup. This move replaced Shaheen Shah Afridi, who had led Pakistan in a single series against New Zealand, where Pakistan faced a 4-1 series defeat. The PCB explained reappointing Babar as a ‘strategic move’,” Akmal said.

Akmal concluded by urging the PCB, the captain, the coach, and the selectors to set their direction right and reform their thinking. He believes that this is the only way to improve the team’s performance and achieve success in future tournaments.

Babar Azam's Heartwarming Gesture with Fan Goes Viral

Babar Azam’s Heartwarming Gesture with Fan Goes Viral

Pakistan’s beloved white-ball captain, Babar Azam, recently showcased his humility and approachability during a training session ahead of the Champions One-Day 2024. While preparing at Iqbal Stadium, Babar had a heartwarming interaction with a fan who had managed to bypass security to meet his idol.

The 29-year-old skipper’s warm gesture was captured in a viral video. The fan, thrilled to have met his cricketing hero, was invited by Babar for a brief chat and a photo. The image of Babar and the fan, both smiling, soon made the rounds on social media, garnering widespread admiration from cricket enthusiasts.

The fan’s bold move and the ensuing viral photo got applauded by his friends and cricket fans alike outside the stadium in another viral video. Babar’s genuine connection with his supporters is evident in this gesture, which adds to the buzz surrounding the Champions One-Day 2024.

The tournament, scheduled from September 12 to September 29, will see Babar Azam leading the Stallions, a star-studded lineup including Shan Masood, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed. Under the captaincy of Pakistan’s white-ball specialist Mohammad Haris, the Stallions are poised to make a significant impact.

Babar Azam’s humility and approachability, coupled with his exceptional cricketing skills, make him a true role model for aspiring cricketers and fans alike. His genuine connection with his supporters is a testament to his character and the respect he has earned in the cricketing world.

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