PCB set to reappoint Babar Azam as captain

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is contemplating reinstating Babar Azam as captain before the 2024 T20 World Cup. The PCB officials are in the process of finalizing the decision to assign him the leadership responsibilities. There are looming uncertainties around Shahin Shah Afridi's T20 captaincy.

After the 2023 World Cup, Babar Azam had stepped down from the ODI captaincy, with Shahin Afridi taking over the T20 leadership. Subsequently, he also relinquished the red-ball captaincy, leading to Shan Masood's appointment as the Test captain.

Pakistan's recent performance has been disappointing, losing all three Tests in Australia and facing a 1-4 defeat in the T20 series against New Zealand. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi hinted at potential leadership changes during a recent press conference in Lahore.

Sources suggest that Babar Azam was discontented with the management of the team during his captaincy tenure and is hesitant to resume leadership duties. He seeks assurance from the board on certain matters and is willing to return as captain only if his concerns are addressed and resolved.