Babar Azam Test Captaincy SACK countdown thread

[RyanRyan10]

[MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION]

How will you feel if Rizwan replaces Babar

 

[Rana]

Babar Azam cannot last like this.

Captaincy, team selection etc - all under scrutiny now

PCB needs to answer

They made him captain in all formats because they feared he may retire from Test at some point and just focus on leagues and white ball cricket.

 

[Shafi]

Babar Azam cannot last like this.

Captaincy, team selection etc - all under scrutiny now

Nothing will happen. PCB is happy with low expectation so as our former players. Otherwise Saqlain would be sacked long ago. Also, not sure PCB has enough money to hire foreign coach (who can be abused by former players) or foreign coaches are ready to come to Pakistan after Micky saga.

 

[umerz]

[MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION]

How will you feel if Rizwan replaces Babar

TBH Rizwan hasn't done great in test matches. He has been above average but to make him captain... I am not sure

 

[Shafi]

You need a strong and assertive coach regardless of how big of "brand" you want your captain to be. Babar isn't very adept with selections (picking the worst options of an already poor squad given by Mr Powerpoint).

Good thing is Saqlain is going in 2 months.

But the bad thing is Ramiz "showman" Raja believes in 6 month to 1 year tenures of coaches and isn't a fan of spending money on good coaches for the national team.

Apart from the fact that it is Pakistani team, it's becoming extremely hard to support this organization.

Where you get that? They said same things back in 2021 after World Cup failure instead he got extension.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I think he is giving a run to Muhammad yousaf as pakistans worst test captain ever.

On a par with moyo, moin and rameez as worst Pakistan captain ever

 

[Rana]

[MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION]

How will you feel if Rizwan replaces Babar

How would I feel? I would love it. No longer will his failures be overlooked as he will be held accountable

 

[ElRaja]

pcbs total goal seems to be running the organisation for profits, there is very little accountability for poor results, perhaps creating a director of cricket isnt the worst thing, need someone with direct responsibility for the teams results.

rambo when talking of legacies talks of pathways, sustainable development, etc which is all good, but never mentions having a winning team. babar feeds into the model of sustainability, branding, image, etc, which is why he is surviving, he has shown very little tactical, or leadership acumen over the last few years.

i think eventually shaddy will get t20/odi captaincy, and shaheen the test captaincy. cant see any other candidates tbh.

 

[Rana]

pcbs total goal seems to be running the organisation for profits, there is very little accountability for poor results, perhaps creating a director of cricket isnt the worst thing, need someone with direct responsibility for the teams results.

rambo when talking of legacies talks of pathways, sustainable development, etc which is all good, but never mentions having a winning team. babar feeds into the model of sustainability, branding, image, etc, which is why he is surviving, he has shown very little tactical, or leadership acumen over the last few years.

i think eventually shaddy will get t20/odi captaincy, and shaheen the test captaincy. cant see any other candidates tbh.

What’s wrong with Nawaz, Imam, Saud? They are all intelligent individuals. They have far more grasp and understanding than Babar

I would argue Salman Agha is a better captaincy candidate than Babar!

 

[ElRaja]

What’s wrong with Nawaz, Imam, Saud? They are all intelligent individuals. They have far more grasp and understanding than Babar

I would argue Salman Agha is a better captaincy candidate than Babar!

nawaz - not an automatic selection in all conditions
imam - hasn't nailed down the opening spot yet, nor do i think he has captained in psl or domestics
saud - too new to survive in seniority driven pak culture

shaheen is an automatic selection in all conditions, captains lahore qalandars thus has leadership experience, and seems to carry himself with the confidence of someone who reckons they can take on the best.

 

[Rana]

nawaz - not an automatic selection in all conditions
imam - hasn't nailed down the opening spot yet, nor do i think he has captained in psl or domestics
saud - too new to survive in seniority driven pak culture

shaheen is an automatic selection in all conditions, captains lahore qalandars thus has leadership experience, and seems to carry himself with the confidence of someone who reckons they can take on the best.

Shaheen may have won a T20 tournament as captain but then how does that merit Test selection? Test captaincy isn’t just pomp and bravado, you actually need to have a functional brain and the ability to make tough calls on selection.

I still maintain Shaheen has a mental age of 16

 

[zaidihusain]

shaheen is an automatic selection in all conditions, captains lahore qalandars thus has leadership experience, and seems to carry himself with the confidence of someone who reckons they can take on the best.

Shaheen as a captain would be disaster. Pakistan cannot have fast bowler as a captain unless team management adopts strict rotation policy in place in all formats. Babar has failed as a captain as he has been horrible in game planning & awareness, team selection, utilization of available resources. When Harris Rauf & Naseem got injured after 1st test, he should have asked for replacements

 

[ask_analyse_act]

The unnecessary hate Babar gets is unreal. It reminds me of my childhood memories with Sachin's captaincy. Why is it difficult to admit that England is far superior test side than Pakistan?

They are not a far superior test team.. Wait for the Ashes series .... and Bazball theory might be put to bed as well..

Pakistan selections are very poor for this home series...

Hasan Ali whose performance was good in tests after his comeback in 2021 , now not in the side for his LOIs performance dip and also because the Wasim/Babar/Saqi trio wanted Naseem , Haris, Waseem jr , Mohammad Ali and Faheem Ashraf instead..

Preparing a rank turner in Multan and leave out the experienced Yasir Shah out

Well Zahid mehmood, Sajid Khan, Nouman ali have kept Yasir Shah out who was the prime leg spinner..

Would like to see the end of Wasim the PPT chief selector

 

[PerfectionPersonified]

Pakistan lacked Fast blowing and that was the difference in the end.

 

[ElRaja]

The unnecessary hate Babar gets is unreal. It reminds me of my childhood memories with Sachin's captaincy. Why is it difficult to admit that England is far superior test side than Pakistan?

no one is saying pak are better than england, but that doesn't mean you should accept consistent failures in captaincy, selections, lack of dynamism and creativity.

india eventually sacked sachin (after a similar period to what babar has completed) and selected ganguly and it transformed indian cricket.

his only merit as captain is a lack of controversy.

 

[greatest]

They are not a far superior test team.. Wait for the Ashes series .... and Bazball theory might be put to bed as well..

Pakistan selections are very poor for this home series...

Hasan Ali whose performance was good in tests after his comeback in 2021 , now not in the side for his LOIs performance dip and also because the Wasim/Babar/Saqi trio wanted Naseem , Haris, Waseem jr , Mohammad Ali and Faheem Ashraf instead..

Preparing a rank turner in Multan and leave out the experienced Yasir Shah out

Well Zahid mehmood, Sajid Khan, Nouman ali have kept Yasir Shah out who was the prime leg spinner..

Would like to see the end of Wasim the PPT chief selector

Playing this rookie Zahid in place of Yasir who has 200 Test wickets is simply mind-blowing! It looks like we weren't interested in winning this series and wanted to test out our new crop of bowlers and that too against a professional England side. I'm not sure if they wil do this against Bangladesh or West Indies.

 

[greatest]

no one is saying pak are better than england, but that doesn't mean you should accept consistent failures in captaincy, selections, lack of dynamism and creativity.

india eventually sacked sachin (after a similar period to what babar has completed) and selected ganguly and it transformed indian cricket.

his only merit as captain is a lack of controversy.

Pakistan should hire Langer as coach...he will take care of Babar.

 

[greatest]

Changing the captain will not make a difference. All the players have the same timid personality. Rizwan is too friendly and depends too much on faith. The only solution is to get a hard-nosed, no nonsense coach.

 

[ElRaja]

Pakistan should hire Langer as coach...he will take care of Babar.

i agree re langer, said it in another thread, but rambo will not spend money on a coach, so it wont happen.

 

[JibranAnsari]

Pakistan ka captain bhi ben stokes ko bana do.

Let me tell you if babar is sacked rizwan WILL become the captain.

 

[Rana]

Pakistan ka captain bhi ben stokes ko bana do.

Let me tell you if babar is sacked rizwan WILL become the captain.

Which is fine, let’s be done with him sooner rather than later as well.

Just think of it like this. Babar Azam is a far superior Batsman/player and he has not been able to inspire any belief of proper leadership. Therefore, let’s see how long Rizwan who has been enjoying this free ride because of Misbah’s toxic agenda of making examples out of players like Sarfaraz lasts. That too considering the man (Rizwan) hasn’t crossed 50 in his last 10 innings and his technique is there for everyone to see.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Pakistan should hire Langer as coach...he will take care of Babar.

there is a general talk whr foreign coaches are not interested to work with PCB due to lack of professionalism...

Langer would be the last person to take a PCB job i reckon..

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Changing the captain will not make a difference. All the players have the same timid personality. Rizwan is too friendly and depends too much on faith. The only solution is to get a hard-nosed, no nonsense coach.

Agree.. Should hire someone as such to get them out of this defensive mindset..

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Where you get that? They said same things back in 2021 after World Cup failure instead he got extension.

he got a 1 year extension. His contract is expiring in Feb. Saqlain apparently only agreed to a 1 year extension. He wasn't keen on staying on as the head coach. He prefers NCA job.

 

[Kraetoz]

Has anyone here mentioned that Babar has lost 6 Tests tosses in a row and his overall record in 15 matches is 4 toss won and 11 lost.... It is really hard to win test match in any conditions if you are batting in 4th innings all the time.

Not to mention losing the toss in semi and final of this year's world t20 and losing the important toss against Australia in last year world T20 semi final because batting 2nd in those conditions had clear advantage. Loss the toss against India at MCG too in T20 world cup.

 

[Savak]

Has anyone here mentioned that Babar has lost 6 Tests tosses in a row and his overall record in 15 matches is 4 toss won and 11 lost.... It is really hard to win test match in any conditions if you are batting in 4th innings all the time.

Not to mention losing the toss in semi and final of this year's world t20 and losing the important toss against Australia in last year world T20 semi final because batting 2nd in those conditions had clear advantage. Loss the toss against India at MCG too in T20 world cup.

Tbh this is not a good enough excuse. You should atleast do a competent job with the things under your control ie your team selections, your bowling changes, field placements, the intensity you bring to the game, your ability to motivate your team when the chips are down, leading by example with the bat.

Also chasing in the fourth innings is not impossible, teams like England and Australia have routinely chased down big totals to win test matches. By now this team has had enough experience of batting in the fourth innings and should know how to hold their own.

 

[Kraetoz]

Tbh this is not a good enough excuse. You should atleast do a competent job with the things under your control ie your team selections, your bowling changes, field placements, the intensity you bring to the game, your ability to motivate your team when the chips are down, leading by example with the bat.

Also chasing in the fourth innings is not impossible, teams like England and Australia have routinely chased down big totals to win test matches. By now this team has had enough experience of batting in the fourth innings and should know how to hold their own.

Leading by example with bat is debatable. Check this out
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...a-vs-pakistan-1st-test-1320953/full-scorecard

Pakistan were struggling in 1st innings at 85-7 with Babar stuck at 28 runs, he scored 91 runs with the tail. Is it leading by example in your book? And this was barely few months ago. Can you tell me other such instance in test history where a batsman scored a ton and the second highest score in that innings is less than 20? Also scored a 50 in 2nd innings and Pakistan chased a big total(2nd highest chase for Pakistan in history). But it will not happen everyday if you keep losing the toss and are asked to chase all the time , and expect just one batter to control your inevitable batting collapse which happens in every other innings.

 

[Savak]

Leading by example with bat is debatable. Check this out
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...a-vs-pakistan-1st-test-1320953/full-scorecard

Pakistan were struggling in 1st innings at 85-7 with Babar stuck at 28 runs, he scored 91 runs with the tail. Is it leading by example in your book? And this was barely few months ago. Can you tell me other such instance in test history where a batsman scored a ton and the second highest score in that innings is less than 20? Also scored a 50 in 2nd innings and Pakistan chased a big total(2nd highest chase for Pakistan in history). But it will not happen everyday if you keep losing the toss and are asked to chase all the time , and expect just one batter to control your inevitable batting collapse which happens in every other innings.

You are picking one test match against a lowly ranked opposition. Ultimately if you want to win the respect of the cricketing world at large, you need to perform and rise to the occasion against the big boys i.e. Australia, England, South Africa and co and you are expected to atleast in your home conditions.

A loss under your name at the end of the day is a loss, Babar has now lost 2 home series at home against the best teams in the world, we lost because i lost the toss is not going to fly, even then you should atleast do your best with things under your control and he has failed to do that with spectacular colours.

Chasing 300 runs plus is a reality and a possibility in today's era. Teams like England, Australia and India have done it routinely.

 

[Saj]

His Test captaincy record at the moment:

Matches 15
Won 8
Lost 5
Drawn 2

 

[Amjid Javed]

This series should be his last as test captain, let him focus on his batting and pick a captain who tactically knows what hes doing.

 

[Suleiman]

This series should be his last as test captain, let him focus on his batting and pick a captain who tactically knows what hes doing.

That’s the issue. He’s an awful captain but the age old question remains, who do we replace him with?

 

[Markhor]

His Test captaincy record at the moment:

Matches 15
Won 8
Lost 5
Drawn 2

If you remove the 2 wins apiece vs BAN and ZIM it's even worse.

 

[Savak]

That’s the issue. He’s an awful captain but the age old question remains, who do we replace him with?

Someone else. Why should someone not be held accountable just because there are no apparent alternatives? Should the team suffer eternally just because there are no apparent alternatives?

 

[jupiter2007]

Saud Shakeel should have permanent slot in Test and ODI and can be groomed for TEST captaincy.

 

[Saj]

If you look at the subtle changes in the field, the clever bowling changes, the smart and slight changes in tactics from England and Ben Stokes, you will realise just how far behind Pakistan are.

We seem to rely on the same pre-planned tactics match after match instead of thinking out the box like Stokes does as skipper.

Captaincy is more than just shouting shabaash and clapping!

 

[Savak]

If you look at the subtle changes in the field, the clever bowling changes, the smart and slight changes in tactics from England and Ben Stokes, you will realise just how far behind Pakistan are.

We seem to rely on the same pre-planned tactics match after match instead of thinking out the box like Stokes does as skipper.

Captaincy is more than just shouting shabaash and clapping!

Tbh when you talk about Cricket with most of our players who are not that educated. You can sense that they badly lack game awareness and understanding of even their own games and of the opposition.

Also to be a very impactful captain, you need to really want the job and leave a mark, legacy. You want to be someone who has a vision for the side and wants to transform the culture of the team. When Kohli became India's captain he mentioned immediately in the press conference that he wants his players to believe they are the best in the world, he wants the fast bowlers to step up and take wickets, he wants the team to play aggressively and with the intent to win, he wants the players to improve their fitness.

Babar in comparison just seems to be a content day to day operator. Win, lose or draw, it makes no difference to him. I bet three years into the job he has not even answered what legacy he wants to leave, what are his desired goals for the team etc.

 

[kingusama92]

He's a terrible captain.

No game awareness and is too slow to react. In a way, he cost them the Multan test as smart captaincy would have closed that gap of 20-30 runs.

Losing is fine but it's clear he's not even a good captain when they're winning. This applies to all formats.

 

[Firebat]

PAK Vs ENG: Shahid Afridi Makes Claims About Babar Azam Ignoring Advice From Seniors

Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi has claimed that captain Babar Azam is not taking advice from senior players in strategising and planning while blaming batting coach Mohammad Yousuf for not playing a proactive role in selection matters, as Pakistan lost the Test series to Ben Stokes' England.

England took a 2-0 lead in the three-Test series on Monday, defeating Pakistan by 26 runs at Multan.

"As a captain, I always felt one had to be a good leader and that was possible by uniting all the players. It means that you should discuss your plans with seniors. When you start taking advice from outsiders and not involve seniors, issues come (up)," Afridi said on a TV channel.

Coach Yousuf was asked during the post-match conference about the inconsistent form of vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan so far in the series, and the former Pakistan cricketer said he had "no role in selection matters".

"I think it was not a great answer from Yousuf and I feel Rizwan needs to be given a break and rested and Pakistan should bring in Sarfaraz Ahmed in his place for Test matches," said Afridi.

The former skipper, however, demanded full backing for Babar, the team's top batter.

"If we don't back and value him, who will value? Every player has a bad match here and there. But Babar remains the backbone of this team and he got a century (in the first Test) and 75 in the second Test," he said.

Afridi added he would like to see Sarfaraz and batter Shan Masood get opportunities in the third and final Test at Karachi. Both players are in the squad for the series.

https://www.outlookindia.com/sports...azam-ignoring-advice-from-seniors-news-244659

 

[Saj]

Really poor captaincy once again.

During the partnership between Foakes and Brook, the lack of intent, the lack of creativity and thinking out of the box has been eye-opening.

 

[James]

Surely there is a better captain for Test cricket in Pakistan than Babar Azam.

A very good batsman, but as a tactician and leader he’s absolutely hopeless, clearly just doesn’t know what he’s doing.

The overbowling of Abrar has been a disgrace.

 

[Saj]

I can't recall the last time a captain has had so much criticism from the TV Commentators in a single day.

 

[Rana]

I can't recall the last time a captain has had so much criticism from the TV Commentators in a single day.

That’s because there are 3 legendary English commentators on duty

The Pakistani ones wouldn’t point out anything wrong with him

 

[SpiritOf1903]

He couldn't run a takeaway

 

[Markhor]

Babar and Saqlain couldn't tactically outsmart a plank of wood.

We've basically a 3 man attack against this England lineup.

 

[Saj]

Reversing yet Faheem has only bowled 1 over.

Is this some sort of joke?

 

[Saj]

That’s because there are 3 legendary English commentators on duty

The Pakistani ones wouldn’t point out anything wrong with him

Waqar has had a go at the team and at Babar today.

 

[Rana]

Waqar has had a go at the team and at Babar today.

Waqar just taking after Nasser, Gower and Atherton

It’s the same Waqar, Bazid, Urooj, Sana Mir and even Wasim Akram that are usually singing hymns of praise of this PCB and it’s players when they are pummelling B/C string sides at home

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The ball is reversing yet Faheem Ashraf has only bowled one over in this innings.<br><br>The hospitality of the host is seeing no limits in this series<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvENG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1604434143684722694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[SpiritOf1903]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The ball is reversing yet Faheem Ashraf has only bowled one over in this innings.<br><br>The hospitality of the host is seeing no limits in this series<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvENG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1604434143684722694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It started when the red carpet was rolled for Australia and they rolled over. Now being obliging hosts by submitting to England.

Shameful

 

[MenInG]

Nasser Hussain speaking on Sky Sports...

"I thought they (England) got it spot on. It wasn't as flat as Rawalpindi. This one, there was a game situation. He assessed the conditions and game situation. His strike rate was up there, and I thought they got it spot on, and he got it spot on.

"I thought they (Pakistan) had a coherent plan, but they didn't have a plan b. The difference between the captains has been starc. Babar has been very orthodox, whereas Stokes is thinking outside the box all the time. I don't think Babar captained it very well."

 

[Kroll]

Surely there is a better captain for Test cricket in Pakistan than Babar Azam.

A very good batsman, but as a tactician and leader he’s absolutely hopeless, clearly just doesn’t know what he’s doing.

The overbowling of Abrar has been a disgrace.

All this to accommodate Azhar Ali?

 

[Saj]

Why didn't he give Agha a few overs today? There was a bit of rough - was worth a go.

Then the field placings were ludicrous.

I mean what is going on here. This is a ridiculous situation.

 

[sweep_shot]

He should've never been the captain in the first place. He is too introverted to be a captain.

This captaincy can affect his batting and confidence too.

 

[Savak]

Babar keeps reaching new levels of incompetence as captain every day. You can give this guy ten years on the job with no questions asked and he will keep repeating the same mistakes again and again or he will find new ones daily. Captains either have it or they don't, vast majority of the things on this job are natural and instinctive and Babar lacks these things.

He will do a Karachi Kings with every team he leads and I pity Peshawar Zalmi in the upcoming season.

 

[Savak]

Surely there is a better captain for Test cricket in Pakistan than Babar Azam.

A very good batsman, but as a tactician and leader he’s absolutely hopeless, clearly just doesn’t know what he’s doing.

The overbowling of Abrar has been a disgrace.

In Pakistan we stick to incompetent individuals as captain because of the lack of clear alternatives even if the team is habitually losing and making the same mistakes again and again.

 

[Rana]

Surely there is a better captain for Test cricket in Pakistan than Babar Azam.

A very good batsman, but as a tactician and leader he’s absolutely hopeless, clearly just doesn’t know what he’s doing.

The overbowling of Abrar has been a disgrace.

You follow Pakistan cricket as much as we do.

Honest question. England made someone who isn’t their best Test cricketer (batter or bowler) as captain and it has proven to be a great move. They could have made Bairstow, Foakes, even Pope as captain and he would be better than Babar.

Who do you see in Pakistan as that guy? Who is that player that can lead us? I have some ideas but I would like to hear yours?

 

[zaidihusain]

Babar has got enough opportunities as a test captain. He lost couple of home series now and drew away series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, both of these away series could have been won. Honestly PCB doesn't have too many options but still they can try Abdullah Shafiq or Saud Shakeel. Shan Masood could have been a good captain but he is not consistent. There is no guarantee for success but someone should be trusted like how Graeme Smith was trusted by South Africa after their 2003 debacle.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Faheem under bowled, His other so called All rounder Agha not really being used, Does Babar even want these players in the team?

A clueless captain and once again il say a shambolic sqaud to work with.

We need a new captain for NZ series and a new sqaud full of more deserving players then current trash.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Babar has got enough opportunities as a test captain. He lost couple of home series now and drew away series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, both of these away series could have been won. Honestly PCB doesn't have too many options but still they can try Abdullah Shafiq or Saud Shakeel. Shan Masood could have been a good captain but he is not consistent. There is no guarantee for success but someone should be trusted like how Graeme Smith was trusted by South Africa after their 2003 debacle.

Pakistan did bottle both Sri lanka and West indies series away, both due to Babars useless captaincy, then we have had the shambolid Aussie and england home series, indeed time for a new captain.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

One of the worst test squad I have seen for a long time. We are playing like minnows and getting destroyed at home.

 

[Energy]

The real concern is Babar's regression rather than progression in this role.

When you don't have a strong general IQ you're bound to take emotional decisions, develop an ego, attitude, aar ya paar approach etc. Basically do everything on gut or on a script and do nothing else. Keep a simple game plan because that's not stretching your brain cells.

Its unfortunate. He's an excellent batsman but too timid for the skipper role.

 

[Cover Drive Six]

Pakistan won't qualify WTC and can't win SENA tests as long as Babar is captain.

Forget about OS tours, he is loosing at home on flat tracks.
Poor tactics and poor selections.

Probably he is the worst Asian captain.

 

[James]

You follow Pakistan cricket as much as we do.

Honest question. England made someone who isn’t their best Test cricketer (batter or bowler) as captain and it has proven to be a great move. They could have made Bairstow, Foakes, even Pope as captain and he would be better than Babar.

Who do you see in Pakistan as that guy? Who is that player that can lead us? I have some ideas but I would like to hear yours?

Two possible ways of thinking could be —

a) Giving the captaincy to an experienced older player who isn’t necessarily the team’s best performer or (at the moment) even a guaranteed pick, who will be a stop gap for 2-3 years during which Pakistan cricket will then have time for succession planning: eg Shan Masood. (Pakistan previously took this step with Misbah, although it ended up going probably far better than anyone expected.)

b) Promoting a younger player to the captaincy who looks like he has the backbone to play Test cricket for the long term, and will be almost unconditionally backed whilst he learns the trade, improves, and (unavoidably) makes some mistakes along the way: eg Saud Shakeel. (See also Graeme Smith and South Africa.)

These are just ideas and it’s a really tough decision for those in charge.

Babar Azam’s weak captaincy style gives me strong “Joe Root as captain” vibes on a number of different levels and everyone including Joe himself knew that in the end the job wasn’t for him after essentially being chosen for it because he was the best batsman, so he stepped down to make space for a more natural leader to take over.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Two possible ways of thinking could be —

a) Giving the captaincy to an experienced older player who isn’t necessarily the team’s best performer or (at the moment) even a guaranteed pick, who will be a stop gap for 2-3 years during which Pakistan cricket will then have time for succession planning: eg Shan Masood. (Pakistan previously took this step with Misbah, although it ended up going probably far better than anyone expected.)

b) Promoting a younger player to the captaincy who looks like he has the backbone to play Test cricket for the long term, and will be almost unconditionally backed whilst he learns the trade, improves, and (unavoidably) makes some mistakes along the way: eg Saud Shakeel. (See also Graeme Smith and South Africa.)

These are just ideas and it’s a really tough decision for those in charge.

Babar Azam’s weak captaincy style gives me strong “Joe Root as captain” vibes on a number of different levels and everyone including Joe himself knew that in the end the job wasn’t for him after essentially being chosen for it because he was the best batsman, so he stepped down to make space for a more natural leader to take over.

option A is simply a no go, we did this previously in 2017 when PCB said Babar wasnt ready to be captain and we made Azhar captain at the time he was batting like a tail ender, so we dont need to do same thing again by making Masood the captain.

Pakistan needs 3 captains one for each format and in Tests, id rather have a new Test captain and fresh face then a TTF.

 

[shaz619]

option A is simply a no go, we did this previously in 2017 when PCB said Babar wasnt ready to be captain and we made Azhar captain at the time he was batting like a tail ender, so we dont need to do same thing again by making Masood the captain.

Pakistan needs 3 captains one for each format and in Tests, id rather have a new Test captain and fresh face then a TTF.

Players with big reputations have generally held their leadership position in Pakistan, Babar commands respect given his world level pedigree despite his recent form. If you take him out there’s a risk of disturbing stability and if you do get rid of him, who is/are your pick(s) and how likely are these people to last as long term options, are they guaranteed starters? besides the keeper, there isn’t much choice is there and he is always under fire himself

 

[ElRaja]

any individuality is hammered out of you in Pakistan, how can anyone learn to lead when you expected to listen to your seniors all your life. whether its cricket or business of society in general, Pakistan does not produce leaders, only bureaucrats who enact the will of their patrons.

 

[Saj]

The problem is there doesn't seem to be a glimmer of hope.

Same session after session of hoping for the best and no creative thinking.

I do worry about this sitaution going forward.

 

[sjahmed23]

pcbs total goal seems to be running the organisation for profits, there is very little accountability for poor results, perhaps creating a director of cricket isnt the worst thing, need someone with direct responsibility for the teams results.

rambo when talking of legacies talks of pathways, sustainable development, etc which is all good, but never mentions having a winning team. babar feeds into the model of sustainability, branding, image, etc, which is why he is surviving, he has shown very little tactical, or leadership acumen over the last few years.

i think eventually shaddy will get t20/odi captaincy, and shaheen the test captaincy. cant see any other candidates tbh.

Shaddy t20/odis and Shan Masood Test

With Matthew Hayden or Mickey Arthur head coach

Babar should just focus on his batting alone and that's it.

 

[shaz619]

Shaddy t20/odis and Shan Masood Test

With Matthew Hayden or Mickey Arthur head coach

Babar should just focus on his batting alone and that's it.

Shan Masood isn’t a guaranteed starter in Tests and is a bloke at his age, really the solution long term?

 

[Markhor]

Two possible ways of thinking could be —

a) Giving the captaincy to an experienced older player who isn’t necessarily the team’s best performer or (at the moment) even a guaranteed pick, who will be a stop gap for 2-3 years during which Pakistan cricket will then have time for succession planning: eg Shan Masood. (Pakistan previously took this step with Misbah, although it ended up going probably far better than anyone expected.)

b) Promoting a younger player to the captaincy who looks like he has the backbone to play Test cricket for the long term, and will be almost unconditionally backed whilst he learns the trade, improves, and (unavoidably) makes some mistakes along the way: eg Saud Shakeel. (See also Graeme Smith and South Africa.)

These are just ideas and it’s a really tough decision for those in charge.

Babar Azam’s weak captaincy style gives me strong “Joe Root as captain” vibes on a number of different levels and everyone including Joe himself knew that in the end the job wasn’t for him after essentially being chosen for it because he was the best batsman, so he stepped down to make space for a more natural leader to take over.

I think the problem is we do a horrible job of grooming captains in Pakistan. I'd love to know if there's any real tactical coaching sessions at junior level to develop a youngster's game awareness.

Babar has played international cricket for 7-8 years and seems to have learnt little. As [MENTION=2501]Savak[/MENTION] said, he's no vision except mindlessly chugging along day-by-day.

We also need to start picking captains with a track record of success. Analyse their win % in QEA Trophy and PSL. That's why I'd consider Shaheen after leading LQ to the PSL title. Meanwhile I can't recall Babar ever skippering his side to a trophy domestically or in junior cricket.

 

[ElRaja]

Shaddy t20/odis and Shan Masood Test ����

With Matthew Hayden or Mickey Arthur head coach

Babar should just focus on his batting alone and that's it.

as much as i like shan as an individual, he's shown consistently that he lacks the mental grit to impose himself at the highest level, also at 33 how many more chances can he get when his returns across 25 tests are pretty poor.

 

[abughio]

That's what I wanted to say.. captaincy apart.
He is handling salman agha, wasim junior. Wasim junior as a test bowler. How could you be so obvious. It's reversing and tail ender is handling you as comfortably as it gets. Only one swing and field set for that. Plus he didn't do anything different not even a slow ball.

 

[abughio]

I won't disturb Babar as a captain. He always take himself in a difficult situation ofcourse. But he has kept fighting spirit in this team.

Just go ve him good team players. He will do good

 

[Farah Sohail]

Other than Babar, only Shaheen is an automatic choice in all 3 formats.. plus he has shown leadweship qualities in PSL, although a totally different format.. once he fully recovers from injury, he should be considered aa all 3 format captain.. but only prob is ..being a fast bowler he will always be injury prone

 

[shaz619]

I think the problem is we do a horrible job of grooming captains in Pakistan. I'd love to know if there's any real tactical coaching sessions at junior level to develop a youngster's game awareness.

Babar has played international cricket for 7-8 years and seems to have learnt little. As [MENTION=2501]Savak[/MENTION] said, he's no vision except mindlessly chugging along day-by-day.

We also need to start picking captains with a track record of success. Analyse their win % in QEA Trophy and PSL. That's why I'd consider Shaheen after leading LQ to the PSL title. Meanwhile I can't recall Babar ever skippering his side to a trophy domestically or in junior cricket.

Shaheen isn’t fit at the moment and given how management have already run him into the ground, it’s highly likely leadership would cause him burnout. These suggestions are cute, but lets be real, with no system in place to groom or support captains historically, Babar is the best option in the Pakistani setup , e.g. making the best batsman or keeper the skipper, we’ve been doing it for two decades or so

 

[PakHammer]

Misbah was the last left field selection as test captain as he was not a regular test player and he did a decent job. But did he only get the test captaincy because Younus Khan refused it?

 

[The_KING]

He is the worst test captain we have ever had. I think even Yousuf and Azhar were better than him.

 

[msb314]

Shaheen isn’t fit at the moment and given how management have already run him into the ground, it’s highly likely leadership would cause him burnout. These suggestions are cute, but lets be real, with no system in place to groom or support captains historically, Babar is the best option in the Pakistani setup , e.g. making the best batsman or keeper the skipper, we’ve been doing it for two decades or so

Bingo. This is the reality of the current situation..

 

[msb314]

Misbah was the last left field selection as test captain as he was not a regular test player and he did a decent job. But did he only get the test captaincy because Younus Khan refused it?

No - YK did not get captaincy back in 2010 because he was “banned” by Ijaz Butt at the time.

 

[msb314]

option A is simply a no go, we did this previously in 2017 when PCB said Babar wasnt ready to be captain and we made Azhar captain at the time he was batting like a tail ender, so we dont need to do same thing again by making Masood the captain.

Pakistan needs 3 captains one for each format and in Tests, id rather have a new Test captain and fresh face than a TTF.

I’m fine with giving Saud or Abdullah a shot at captaincy but will it yield any different results? Probably not..