THE announcement by PCB regarding the reinstatement of Babar Azam as the captain of the men’s cricket team for ODIs and T20s raises pertinent questions about the efficacy of constant leadership changes and the correlation between individual batting prowess and captaincy acumen.
Undoubtedly, Babar Azam has solidified his status as one of the premier batsmen in contemporary cricket. His elegant stroke play and consistent run-scoring have earned him accolades globally. However, the assumption that excellence with the bat seamlessly translates into effective leadership on the field is a fallacy that has been proven time and again in the annals of cricketing history. The decision to replace Babar Azam as captain following Pakistan’s disappointing outings in the Asia Cup and the 50-over World Cup last year was understandable. The Green Shirts’ underwhelming performances in these prestigious tournaments necessitated a re-evaluation of leadership. The team’s inability to advance deep into these competitions highlighted underlying issues that extended beyond individual player performance. However, it is somewhat surprising that Babar Azam has once again been entrusted with the same role, considering the rationale behind his initial replacement. Some may argue that the responsibility could have been delegated to another player, allowing for fresh perspectives and leadership dynamics within the team. Nonetheless, the PCB’s decision to include the captain in the selection committee is praiseworthy, as it ensures that the captain has a significant say on the composition of the team he leads. We have great expectations from Mohsin Naqvi that being head of the PCB he will undertake a holistic approach encompassing player development, strategic planning and robust coaching infrastructure to ensure the team’s sustainable success in the international events. By fostering a conducive environment for both on-field excellence and off-field empowerment, our cricket can navigate towards a brighter future on the global stage.
