In the wake of Babar Azam resigning as Pakistan’s white-ball captain, rumors suggest that wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has emerged as the “strongest candidate” to take over the leadership role.
Sources revealed that Rizwan is being seriously considered for the position, particularly for the ODI team, while Mohammad Haris is also being weighed as a potential captain for the T20 side.
The speculation comes after Babar Azam, in a surprising move, stepped down as captain of Pakistan’s limited-overs teams, citing a need to focus on his personal growth and performance. In his resignation statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Babar, expressed his desire to “gain clarity” and channel more energy toward his individual game.
According to insiders, key figures within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have been directed to consult with Mohammad Rizwan on team selection. Sources claim Rizwan’s candidacy aligns with the team’s future strategy as laid out by white-ball coach Gary Kirsten. The veteran coach reportedly suggested appointing a new T20 captain as part of a long-term plan, with Mohammad Haris being considered for the shorter format.
During his visit to Pakistan in mid-2024, Kirsten reportedly met with Babar Azam to discuss his future as captain, particularly in light of Pakistan’s disappointing performances in recent international tournaments.
Despite Kirsten’s urging, Babar Azam remained hesitant about retaining his captaincy, particularly in ODI cricket. The 29-year-old star batter had begun to feel increasingly distanced from the team and felt his role as captain was not being fully valued, insiders said. Kirsten, despite his efforts to persuade Babar to stay on as ODI captain, was ultimately unable to change his mind.
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