Pakistan Considers Splitting Cricket Captaincy Amid Workload Concerns
Pakistan’s cricket team is facing a dilemma as they consider splitting the captaincy across the three formats of the game. The heavy schedule and workload on the current white-ball skipper, Babar Azam, has prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to explore alternative options.
Despite expectations that Azam would retain the ODI captaincy, he surprisingly resigned late Wednesday night, citing a desire to focus on his batting. This has left the PCB, head coach Gary Kirsten, and the selection committee with the task of finding a suitable replacement.
Muhammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper-batter, is considered the frontrunner for the white-ball captaincy. However, concerns have been raised about his workload, as he is an automatic selection in all formats. The team’s hectic international schedule, which includes 18 ODIs and T20Is in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, followed by two Tests in South Africa, has raised concerns about Rizwan’s ability to handle the additional responsibility.
Sources within the PCB suggest that the board may consider appointing separate captains for ODIs and T20Is, or naming a strong vice-captain to Rizwan who would lead the team in his absence. Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are among the candidates being considered for these roles.
Kirsten has reportedly expressed reservations about any player taking on the captaincy in two formats, especially after Azam’s recent loss of form and confidence. The PCB is now tasked with finding a solution that balances the need for strong leadership with the players’ workload management.