Babar Azam: Pakistan captaincy is 'PCB's decision
Talking to the media, Babar Azam has spoken out amid rising controversy on his performance as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team after his team faced an early exit from the T20 World Cup. Before the tournament, Azam was reappointed as the captain. He said any decisions about his captaincy are up to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
"When I gave up the captaincy [in 2023], I thought that I shouldn't be doing it then, that's why I left it and I announced it myself," Azam expressed. "Then when they gave it back to me, it was the decision of the PCB. When I go back, we will discuss all that has happened here. And if I have to leave the captaincy, I will announce it openly. But for now, I have not thought about it. It is eventually PCB's decision."
Pakistan’s Performance in the T20 World Cup 2024
The below-average performances of the Pakistani team in the ongoing T20 World Cup have raised questions about Azam’s leadership skills. Talking about accountability; whether it was the fault of the captain, coach or selectors; he stood upon his stance on shared responsibility. "You can't blame one person," he said. "We didn't play well as a team. We did well in patches. Everybody is disappointed. We are as disappointed as the fans."
He emphasized the importance of collective responsibility and accepted the team's shortcomings. "I think we have not been able to play well as a team. We have to settle down and accept that we didn't play well as a team," he continued. "We accept that we didn't play according to the expectations. As a player and as a captain, I am not going to single oor blame anyone. The fault lies with all 15. As a captain, my responsibility is to give my feedback to the decision-makers."
As the wait continues for the decision of the PCB, Babar Azam is determined to review the areas of improvement for the team and work on them for future matches. He shows commitment to the values of transparency as well as accountability while serving as the captain of the team.
Will Babar Azam Continue as Pakistan's Captain?
The big question surrounding the whole of Pakistan Cricket is whether PCB will trust Babar Azam and comtinue him as captain or will they hand over the duties to new talent in the team. With Pakistan hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy and given Babar's Impecabble track record in ODI's he might continue to lead Pakistan in ODI's but there might be change in leadership when it comes to the T20 format.
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