Following Babar Azam’s resignation as the captain of Pakistan’s limited-overs cricket team, rumors are swirling about his potential successor. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has emerged as the frontrunner for the role, with rising star Mohammad Haris also being considered for the T20 captaincy.
Babar Azam, in a surprising move, announced his resignation to focus on his personal growth and improve his performance on the field. He shared his decision on X (formerly Twitter), expressing the need to “gain clarity” and channel more energy toward his game.
Mohammad Rizwan: The Strongest Candidate
Sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suggest that Mohammad Rizwan is currently the strongest candidate to take over the leadership of Pakistan’s white-ball squad. Rizwan’s potential appointment reportedly aligns with the team’s future strategy under the guidance of white-ball coach Gary Kirsten. Insiders revealed that Kirsten has been keen on appointing a new captain, particularly for T20s, to reinvigorate the squad’s long-term prospects.
Mohammad Haris in Contention for T20 Leadership
While Rizwan is the top contender for the captaincy, young wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris is also being considered for the T20 leadership role. Haris’s aggressive playing style and understanding of the modern game have impressed PCB officials, making him a potential choice for leading Pakistan in the shortest format.
Babar Azam’s Resignation: What Led to It?
Babar Azam’s resignation has come as a shock to fans and cricketing circles. The 29-year-old’s decision is reportedly linked to Pakistan’s underwhelming performances in recent international tournaments. Gary Kirsten, during his mid-2024 visit to Pakistan, met with Babar to discuss his future as captain. Although Kirsten encouraged Babar to remain as ODI captain, the star batter felt that his role was no longer being valued and ultimately decided to step down.
Babar Azam’s resignation leaves a significant void in Pakistan cricket, and the selection of a new captain will be crucial as the team gears up for future international competitions. With Mohammad Rizwan leading the charge, the future of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket could see a fresh beginning.
As the cricketing world awaits an official announcement, all eyes are on Mohammad Rizwan as the likely successor to Babar Azam. The PCB’s decision will not only impact the team’s dynamics but will also play a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s strategy in upcoming international tournaments.
