Should Babar Azam continue to lead Pakistan after their embarrassing exit from the ICC T20 World Cup? Former cricketer Younis Khan has identified a potential successor to the premier batsman in the limited-overs format. Pakistan, who were runners-up in the 2022 edition of the T20 World Cup, have been eliminated in the ICC group stage. A shocking defeat to the United States of America (USA), followed by a heartbreaking defeat to arch-rivals India, has left Pakistan on the brink of a shock elimination.
Rain marred the final between USA and Ireland, sealing Pakistan’s elimination. Co-hosts Pakistan, along with India, qualified for the Super 8 from Group A. Keeping a little pride for the Green Army, Babar led Pakistan to victory over Ireland in their final group match of the T20 World Cup. Speaking about his future as captain of the Asian powerhouse, Babar admitted that he has no plans to step down from his leadership role. Babar was reinstated as captain by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) ahead of the T20 World Cup.
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“Why can’t Fakhar Zaman become captain?”
talk PTV Sports After Pakistan’s World Cup defeat, former cricketer Younis supported Fakhar Zaman’s captaincy. “Why can’t Fakhar Zaman captain the team? Isn’t he a capable player? Didn’t he perform well in the last 50-over World Cup? Who is the player who gives us hope? Zaman had a poor start in the 2023 India World Cup but picked up his form in the second half and coincided with Pakistan’s success. His blistering start at the top put Pakistan in the running to win but it was too late to progress further in the tournament,” Younis said.
“Who is sacrificing his position? It’s Fakhar Zaman!”
Babar has been leading the Green Army since 2019. The former world champion has also fielded Shadab Khan (6), Qasim Akram (3) and Shaheen Afridi (5) in a few matches in the shortest format. Babar is Pakistan’s most capped captain in the shortest format. The former world number one batsman captained the Green Army in 85 matches. Under Babar’s leadership, Pakistan have recorded 48 wins and 29 losses in T20Is. “Who is the player in your team who is batting at number 4, 5 and 6 away from the opening slot? Who is sacrificing his position? It’s Fakhar Zaman! Why not make him the captain?” Younis added.
