The Pakistan men’s cricket team is currently in preparation mode for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, set to commence on July 16 in Galle. This series holds immense importance as it marks the beginning of Pakistan’s campaign in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle.
The journey through the WTC 2021-23 cycle proved to be a tumultuous one for Pakistan. Despite possessing a pool of talented players, they struggled to convert their potential into consistent victories. The absence of home wins and a solitary triumph out of nine Tests played in the past year painted a bleak picture. The series losses to Australia and England on their own turf further intensified the scrutiny surrounding the team’s performance.
In a recent press conference prior to the team’s departure for Sri Lanka, Babar Azam faced tough questions about his captaincy future in Test cricket.
“In last one year, we won only one match in nine Tests, which was against Sri Lanka. Pakistan isn’t able to win. I hope we win in Sri Lanka, but if we lose, will you think about handing captaincy to someone else? Isn’t it possible that your captaincy is at fault if we aren’t able to win?” a reporter asked Babar.
The Pakistan captain delved on the reasons behind the side’s losses and had a rather straightforward answer on the captaincy question.
“If you talk about the past, we didn’t play good cricket, that’s why we didn’t win. We were inexperienced because of multiple injuries. Until you get 20 wickets, you won’t win. And we drew the series there, didn’t lose. This time, we will try to win,” the 28-year-old said in the press conference.
“As far as captaincy is concerned, I always give my best. It’s better if you ask this question to the PCB, because they have to take this decision,” the Lahore-born further added.
Babar is the all-format captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team. Later this year, he will lead the national side in the ODI World Cup 2023, scheduled to be held in India from October 5 to November 19.
