Ahmed Shehzad Claims Babar Azam’s Captaincy Reports Are False
New Delhi [India], September 26: Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad has claimed that the reports about Babar Azam leading Pakistan in white-ball cricket until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are false.
In September, there were widespread discussions about a change in Pakistan’s captaincy, with Mohammad Rizwan being considered as Babar’s successor. However, recent developments suggested that Babar would retain his captaincy. Shehzad, however, has refuted these claims.
Shehzad stated, “It is wrong. It has been categorically said that the meeting was not related to captaincy or central contracts. People are saying Babar has been handed captaincy until the Champions Trophy. Our sources say it is wrong. The news is false. We have learnt that if Babar doesn’t hand his resignation himself, then he will be sacked. Gary Kirsten has demanded big changes before the Champions Trophy. I think this is the way forward.”
Pakistan has not won a major tournament since Babar was appointed captain in 2019. Under his leadership, Pakistan failed to progress in the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup. After these setbacks, Babar stepped down from the captaincy of all formats, and Shaheen Shah Afridi briefly took over as T20I captain. Babar was later reinstated as the white-ball captain, while Shan Masood retained the Test captaincy.
In the T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s campaign ended in the group stage after a surprising defeat to the USA in New York.
Doubts Revealed
Ahmed Shehzad -: Ahmed Shehzad is a Pakistani cricketer who has played for the national team. He is known for his batting skills.
Babar Azam -: Babar Azam is the captain of the Pakistan cricket team and one of the top batsmen in the world.
Captaincy -: Captaincy means being the leader of the cricket team, making important decisions during the game.
White-ball cricket -: White-ball cricket refers to limited-overs formats like One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) matches, where a white ball is used.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 -: The ICC Champions Trophy is a major international cricket tournament. The 2025 edition will be held in the future.
Pakistan Cricket Board -: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is the organization that manages cricket in Pakistan.
Sacked -: Sacked means being removed from a job or position. In this case, it means Babar Azam might be removed as captain.
