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The Pakistan cricket team is grappling with a leadership crisis following a string of disappointing performances. This comes after a forgettable 2023 ODI World Cup campaign in India.
Musical Chairs in Leadership
Babar Azam‘s resignation as captain triggered a leadership reshuffle. Shan Masood assumed the captaincy for both s Tests and ODIs, while Shaheen Afridi took the reins in T20Is. Coaching duties were also in flux, with Mohammad Hafeez taking over from Grant Bradburn on an interim basis.
Despite these leadership changes, Pakistan’s struggles continued. They faced defeat in the Test series against Australia and the T20I leg against New Zealand. Shaheen’s performance as T20I captain has fallen short of expectations, with calls for his removal intensifying after the 4-1 series loss to the Blackcaps.
Muhammed Rizwan Frontrunner for Captaincy Role
The newly formed selection committee is poised to announce a new T20I leader when they pick the squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. Muhammad Rizwan, the successful captain of Multan Sultans in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) has emerged as the frontrunner for the captaincy role.
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T20 World Cup Looms Large
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean and USA serves as a significant motivator for Pakistan’s captaincy change. The PCB aims to solidify their leadership before the mega event in June.
Training Camp Paves the Way for Selection
A 29-player training camp is currently underway at the Kakul army base. The selectors will choose the final squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand from this pool of talented players.
Series Opener in Rawalpindi
The T20I leg kicks off on April 18 with the first three matches slated to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The series then moves to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium for the remaining two games.
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Pakistan’s cricket fans will be eagerly waiting to see if a change in leadership can spark a turnaround in the team’s fortunes.
