PCB Looking to Bring in Babar Azam to Captain Pakistan Again: Reports

It seems the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lost faith in the ability of Shan Masood and Shaheen Shah Afridi to lead the national side and feels former skipper Babar Azam is the best choice to captain the side once again.

Sources have revealed that star batsman Babar Azam's name is back in contention for the Pakistan captaincy, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly considering offering him the role once more. According to insiders, Azam will carefully weigh various aspects of the position if approached by the PCB.

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Rumours suggest that top PCB officials have initiated contact with Azam regarding the captaincy matter. Sources further indicate that Azam may meet with PCB officials to discuss the matter before departing for the ongoing fitness camp in Abbottabad.

It is noteworthy that Shaheen Afridi took over the T20I captaincy, while Shan Masood assumed the role in Tests last year, replacing Azam.

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The latest development follows the PCB's announcement that a decision regarding Shaheen's future as T20I captain will be made after the conclusion of the fitness camp on April 8. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, speaking at a press conference after unveiling the selection committee on March 24, remained tight-lipped about Shaheen's future, emphasizing the need for a long-term solution.

Azam relinquished the captaincy across all formats in November, ending his tenure as the team's leader. His decision came after Pakistan's disappointing World Cup campaign, where they failed to progress to the semifinals.

Criticism had mounted against Azam following poor performances in the Asia Cup and the subsequent World Cup. Despite being appointed as the white-ball captain in 2019 and Test skipper in 2020, Pakistan did not secure any ICC or Asia Cup titles under his leadership.