Babar Azam is eyed for the role of T20 captain yet again, replacing the existing one Shaheen Afridi.
According to a report from Geo News on Friday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted to restore Babar Azam as the captain for T20 cricket, based on recommendations from the recently formed selection committee.
Sources indicate that Babar Azam will reassume his role as captain during the upcoming five-match T20 series against New Zealand.
This decision comes after Shaheen Shah Afridi was appointed as the white-ball captain by the previous management following Pakistan's disappointing performance in the ICC World Cup 2023, while Shan Masood was assigned for the red-ball captaincy.
The selection committee reportedly advised PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in favor of Babar Azam's captaincy for T20 cricket.
It's noted that the 29-year-old will lead the team in the Kakul training camp as captain.
In response to these developments, Shaheen Shah Afridi has considered stepping down as T20I captain. However, sources close to the fast bowler have advised against this decision, emphasizing that the appointment of the captain is within the PCB's jurisdiction, and he should respect their decision.
To, Babar Azam had previously held the positions of white-ball captain since 2019 and Test captain since 2020, but Pakistan hasn't secured any ICC or Asia Cup titles under his leadership.
In addition to this, the PCB is reportedly in the final stages of appointing separate coaches for white-ball and red-ball cricket.
As per the sources, Gary Kirsten from South Africa is likely to be appointed for white-ball cricket, while Australian coach Jason Gillespie is expected to take charge for red-ball cricket.
Discussions with both coaches are ongoing, covering various matters such as the coaching staff and domestic coaching setups.
