Table of Contents
In a move aimed at rejuvenating Pakistan’s white-ball cricket strategy, Babar Azam has been reinstated as the captain of the national team in limited-overs formats, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Sunday (March 31). Babar, who relinquished his role as captain across all formats last year after Pakistan’s lacklustre performance in the ODI World Cup held in India, returns to lead the side ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. The decision comes after a period of restructuring within the nation’s cricket board.
Shaheen Afridi’s brief stint comes to an end
Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi‘s stint as T20 skipper has been cut short after just one series at the helm. Despite being named captain with Mohammad Rizwan as his deputy, Afridi’s leadership failed to yield favorable results. Pakistan suffered a 4-1 defeat in Afridi’s debut series as captain, prompting the PCB to make a swift decision regarding the leadership role.
Afridi’s struggles extended beyond the international arena, with his franchise Lahore Qalandars enduring a dismal campaign in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024, finishin🌠g at the bottom of the table with just one win out of 🧸ten matches.
Revamping performance with Babar Azam
The re-appointment of Babar reflects the PCB’s commitment to revitalize the team’s performance in white-ball cricket. With Babar’s proven leadership credentials and exemplary batting prowess, Pakistan aims to embark on a fresh trajectory under his captaincy, targeting success in upcoming series and tournaments.
Also READ: PCB relieves Shaheen Afridi of T20I captaincy and re-aﷺppoints Babar Azam as Pakistan skipper; also confirms schedule for Ireland tour
Social media buzz
Following the announcement of Babar’s reinstatement as the captain of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket teams, social media platforms erupted with a flurry of reactions from fans worldwide. Fans expressed a mix of excitement, optimism, and relief at the prospect of Babar’s return to leadership. Many hailed Babar as the right choice to steer Pakistan’s limited-overs campaigns, citing his remarkable batting prowess and calm demeanor on the field.
Here is how fans reacted:
. to lead Pakistan men's team in white-ball cricket ©️🇵🇰
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB)
Pakistan cricket = Peak Entertainment.
– Babar Azam stepped down as Captain.
– Shaheen as T20I captain & Shan Masood as Test captain.
– Shaheen lead the team in just 5 T20I and had a poor outing in PSL.
– Now, Babar Azam appointed as captain again in T20I & ODI.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam📖 will meet again at the toss ꦜin New York.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
Babar Azam doesn’t need captaincy.
– Captaincy needs him.
— Ehtisham Siddique (@iMShami_)
BABAไR AZA♚M HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS ODI AND T20I CAPTAIN !!!
— Mary Marouf (@Cricket_istic)
Babar Azam will become the first ever pakistan captain to l🎉ead the team in three different t20 world cup events 👑
— King Babar Azam Army (@babarazamking_)
The king returns, Babar 💜Azam reclaims the captaincy! Welcome back to your kingdom, Capt🎉ain 👑❤️
— 𝑨⛄️ (@iTweeety_)
King Babar Azam is back 👑
Reappointed as white-ball☂ (ODI & T20I) captain 🔥
— Ajwa (@Ajwa_BA56)
Babar Azam gets reappointed as Pakistan's white-ball captain.
Welcome back Kaptana!
— Aiman Amjad (@iAimanAmjad)
Captaincy deserves Babar Azam ❤️ 🐐
— Zarnab. (@achaw_sahiiii)
Babar Azam Is Back As A Captain.
— Dr.Duet🇵🇸 (@Drduet56)
Babar Azam appointed as captain again in T20I &ꦗ; OD🌸I 😎
— 🅰️ J🌈 (@EHuman0)
OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN 🥹
— King Babar Azam Army (@babarazamking_)
Pakistan Cricket is not less than Circus.
Shaheen Afr🐷idi sacked from Captaincy.Babar Azam who stepped down as Captain of Pakistan team after the horrible World Cup Campaign is appointed again as Pakistan Captain in T20 and ODI.
The way things are folding, Don't get surprised…
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991)