Pakistan cricket captain, Babar Azam, has implored the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to alter his leadership role, while also advocating for the retention of Shadab Khan as vice-captain. This plea emerged during a high-stakes review session chaired by PCB chief Zaka Ashraf, following Pakistan’s shocking exit from the Asia Cup 2023.
The Green Shirts’ dismal performance in the tournament, which included a defeat to arch-rivals India and a failure to secure a spot in the final after Sri Lanka’s triumph, has cast a shadow of uncertainty over key players, including Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan.
Consequently, the announcement of Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 has been delayed as team management grapples with the complex task of finalizing the roster while considering player performance and injuries sustained during the Asia Cup.
Insiders close to the situation revealed that both Babar Azam and Director Mickey Arthur acknowledged the team’s loss in the regional tournament, attributing it to a “flawed strategy.” However, Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq was notably absent from the meeting.
Azam stressed that the team’s preparation had been hindered by continuous travel and adverse weather conditions but maintained that they were on a winning trajectory prior to the Asia Cup.
“Arthur conceded that fitness issues and the instability of the middle order are concerning, but the duo could not present a concrete plan for the World Cup. They emphasized the need for meticulous planning,” sources confided.
Intriguingly, during the session, fast bowling coach Morne Morkel proposed the hiring of a dedicated coach for spinners, potentially signaling a shift in Pakistan’s strategic approach.
With the ICC’s deadline for finalizing teams for the mega event fast approaching on September 28, the cricketing world watches closely to see how the PCB navigates the aftermath of the Asia Cup and the critical decisions that lie ahead for Pakistan cricket.
