Battle for best captain of PSL 8 - At stake, the position of Pakistan T20I captain

[MenInG]

When it comes to choice of best captain for PSL, the discussion is more about how he leads his side to win the tournament but this year the stakes seem to be higher.

Given our recent performances, the best PSL captain could well end up as the Pakistan T20 Captain.

So who will be the best captain and does doing well in PSL earn him the right to take the captaincy at the national level?

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

When it comes to choice of best captain for PSL, the discussion is more about how he leads his side to win the tournament but this year the stakes seem to be higher.

Given our recent performances, the best PSL captain could well end up as the Pakistan T20 Captain.

So who will be the best captain and does doing well in PSL earn him the right to take the captaincy at the national level?

So, I think it’s too simplistic to equate the best captain with just winning the tournament.

The different teams have differing resources.

I’d define successful qualities for the captain who shows the following :

1) Gets the most out of local Pakistani players, especially those that are underperforming at international level. ;

2) Gives youth a proper chance, rather than playing them for appearances sake in positions they can’t succeed. ;

3) Shows tactical intelligence, especially when it comes to field settings. ;

4) Shows situational awareness, especially when it comes to bowling changes and batting order changes. ; and

5) Handles pressure well, and positively motivates his players.

 

[Saj]

PSL 8 represents a fantastic opportunity for Shadab Khan to enhance his reputation as a skipper and stake a claim to captain Pakistan's T20 side.

 

[Major]

Basically a battle between Shaheen,Shadab Khan, Rizwan and Babar

If Shaheen wins back to back, the guy is gonna be made captain. Shadab is a very good captain as Misbah used to trust him and ask for his opinion on fielding positions.

Imad Waseem and Sarfraz Ahmad are just useless in this fight.

 

[Rana]

Basically a battle between Shaheen,Shadab Khan, Rizwan and Babar

If Shaheen wins back to back, the guy is gonna be made captain. Shadab is a very good captain as Misbah used to trust him and ask for his opinion on fielding positions.

Imad Waseem and Sarfraz Ahmad are just useless in this fight.

Be careful Major sab

You do have a recent history of making claims that backfire massively

 

[shamaan]

Shadab Khan he's young aggressive and has the tight attitude in t20s and gives 100 percent in 3 facits of the game.

 

[shamaan]

I would not make Shaheen Captain even if he wins back to back psl.

 

[shamaan]

Basically a battle between Shaheen,Shadab Khan, Rizwan and Babar

If Shaheen wins back to back, the guy is gonna be made captain. Shadab is a very good captain as Misbah used to trust him and ask for his opinion on fielding positions.

Imad Waseem and Sarfraz Ahmad are just useless in this fight.

Definitely Imad Wasim is useless.

 

[shujaatraza]

With the way current board is taking decisions, don’t surprised if Imad is made t20 captain or Sarfraz test captain which when you think wont be the worse of decisions.

 

[hitthestump]

I would not make Shaheen Captain even if he wins back to back psl.

Same. The young man just needs to bowl so he reaches his potential.

Babar, Shadab, Rizwan and Shaheen are the only players we have that bring respect to Pakistan cricket.

 

[Rana]

Sarfaraz is the only winner of an ICC tournament

Amir broke the Back of India at the Oval 2017

Imad stuck to his guns. Kept Rizwan out and lifted the PSL for Karachi

Salute to these legends!

 

[Concerned]

There is no player worthy of captaincy

Shaheen - Will get injured

Shadab Khan - Will make selfish moves like promoting himself to number 3/4

Rizwan - The better tactician, but questions over his place.

Babar - Best player, but lacks leadership.

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

Is there reaaallllly anyone who can actually be a better captain than Babar?

The only one I am thinking of is Rizwan, but simply Rizwan is in a big decline at the moment, and he is not a T20 player. But if he keeps getting loved and selected in T20 for all the wrong reason, then I guess make him captain.

 

[shamaan]

Same. The young man just needs to bowl so he reaches his potential.

Babar, Shadab, Rizwan and Shaheen are the only players we have that bring respect to Pakistan cricket.

Definitely pluss thiers only small chance of Shadab playing all 3 formats so he can take on the extra responsibility in t20s but Shaheen will most likely play all three formats hence why I don't him being captain in t20s.

 

[the Great Khan]

For me if it's not Babar then its Shadab in t20. It will give Babar a breather. I just feel the test and odi cuptaan should be the same as those two squads should have some synergy..for me the t20 squad should be younger more dynamic and very fluid. Thus a captain like Shadab would fit better.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

If QG had any sense they would have made Nawaz captain. But this is a franchise that is more about maintaining friendships and doing favors for your friends.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Honestly, Shadab and Rizwan are the only serious long-term captaincy options.

Shadab could be a pretty good limited-overs captain. Rizwan has what it takes to succeed as a leader in the longer format.

 

[Rana]

Honestly, Shadab and Rizwan are the only serious long-term captaincy options.

Shadab could be a pretty good limited-overs captain. Rizwan has what it takes to succeed as a leader in the longer format.

He needs to play a long innings instead of getting dropped in the longer format

 

[emranabbas]

In pakistan only requirement for a captain is you need to be the best In the team.. doesn't matter if your thick as a brick

 

[Saj]

By the way, nice to see all 6 teams have a Pakistani as skipper.

 

[KyoOne]

Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan are good options. I hope one of these two gets the trophy and a nod as national captain

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

If QG had any sense they would have made Nawaz captain. But this is a franchise that is more about maintaining friendships and doing favors for your friends.

I fully understand the succession planning element of your view. I'm also appreciate that Sarfaraz’s captaincy style has been very coarse, especially around youngsters.

However, it’s also true that Sarfi will at least play and captain, up to PSL 10. He’s as fit as ever and 34 years old.

He’s at a point in his career, where he’s back in the test team, and thus doesn’t need to overcompensate emotionally as he’s done for QG previously. I think you’ll see a less abrasive Sarfi this year and Quetta may well surprise a few people.

Regarding Nawaz, I just don’t see a natural leader there. He has experience, but I don’t believe he has the personality to manage others.

I do think that Omair Bin Youssuf will be the future captain of QG. From what IÂ’ve seen of him in Sindh, he has a wise, unpressured head on his young shoulders. ItÂ’s probably why he was made Sindh captain in the QEA trophy this season, when Saud Shakeel and Sarfi got called up for the Test Squad. IÂ’m very hopeful that weÂ’ll see a lot of Omair at 4,5 for Quetta this year.

 

[Rana]

If QG had any sense they would have made Nawaz captain. But this is a franchise that is more about maintaining friendships and doing favors for your friends.

Great suggestion

Let’s make the greatest day dreamer in the history of cricket the captain of our franchise because we don’t like Sarfaraz personally

 

[gazza619]

Be careful Major sab

You do have a recent history of making claims that backfire massively

Imad Waseem shall be having the last laugh and all the overly paid major generals of this world would be going in the hiding.

 

[alishahid]

Lol

Babar is winning the trophy. Its the babar show this psl with improved strike rate. Cant wait to see imad wasim fail miserably and karachi winning minimum matches. Peshawar Multan and Islamabad Lahore will be the semi finalists.

 

[Rana]

Lol

Babar is winning the trophy. Its the babar show this psl with improved strike rate. Cant wait to see imad wasim fail miserably and karachi winning minimum matches. Peshawar Multan and Islamabad Lahore will be the semi finalists.

Babar couldn’t beat Sarfaraz in the warm up game

He was chasing a score right down his alleyway on a phatta wicket

 

[ads101]

I think it’s Sarfraz. Quetta usually have the worst squad every season, and yet Quetta do well nearly every season. There’s quite a few matches it felt Sarfraz carrying that squad, pulling it through. I’ve yet to see any other captain so instrumental to a team in PSL yet. His recent PSL wasn’t great but I’m not sure it’s fair to discredit all the other seasons he did well, particularly when the Quetta squad in recent years has been so terrible. He’s also the only one with an icc cup. I don’t think it’s fair to choose guys who had a one off good PSL as captain especially when they had the strongest squads.

Multan is the best run however, and I’m pretty sure Andy Flower is the best coach. Multan have the highest win rate overall in PSL. Their squads look strong too. They’ve changed around captains but if they stick to one captain in Rizwan you might need to bring his name up. But it will be depending on if Multan can keep it up. They might start failing. Perhaps Flower is more to be credited than captain. But right now they feel like the one team you’d always pick to be up there every season.

 

[MenInG]

Rizwan been good so far for MS.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Rooting for Shaheen

 

[Plumb]

Rizwan the best Choice among all. Has qualities of Leader, calm under pressure and keeping the team together.

 

[ArabKnight]

Basically a battle between Shaheen,Shadab Khan, Rizwan and Babar

If Shaheen wins back to back, the guy is gonna be made captain. Shadab is a very good captain as Misbah used to trust him and ask for his opinion on fielding positions.

Imad Waseem and Sarfraz Ahmad are just useless in this fight.

I think you are completely wrong. You just named four players to be the best captain in a six team league!

I think that Sarfraz and Imad have the most chance to be finalists over all the players you named!

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

I would prefer Shaheen over Shadab and Rizwan.

We can even have two different captains when Shaheen needs rest in dead rubbers and against minnows, Shadab can lead the side.

 

[Saj]

Shaheen was impressive yeaterday.

Sultans had wickets in hand but he didn't panic and knew that Qalandars had the bowlers to win the match at the death.

Wiese was advising Shaheen but it looked like the skipper was in charge out there and was thinking clearly.

 

[shamaan]

Very good to see that he changed his mind from Weise to Zaman.

 

[daytrader]

Babar fined for slow over rate today

 

[MenInG]

David Wiese on Shaheen's captaincy for LQ:

“Tactically he backs himself, he backs his instinct, and most of the time he gets a glance. I think everybody was surprised at how good a captain he actually was last season. The other thing that stands out for me with Shaheen is that he's not afraid to go ask people for advice. He's not afraid to go to other people and see what their opinions are. And then he takes on their opinions and then make the decision for himself., that's the mark of a good captain and a good leader,”

 

[daytrader]

Good aggressive captaincy from Rizwan in the match against Quetta. Brought his in form bowler back when he saw an opportunity to go for the kill rather than reserving him for death overs. Changed the match in the space of a few balls

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

David Wiese on Shaheen's captaincy for LQ:

“Tactically he backs himself, he backs his instinct, and most of the time he gets a glance. I think everybody was surprised at how good a captain he actually was last season. The other thing that stands out for me with Shaheen is that he's not afraid to go ask people for advice. He's not afraid to go to other people and see what their opinions are. And then he takes on their opinions and then make the decision for himself., that's the mark of a good captain and a good leader,”

Regarding the captaincy till now:

Shaheen has been the most impressive. That LQ team performed greater than the sum of their parts. The way he switched around his bowlers was quality. It was also very cool to see him trusting in his young players, letting Tahir Baig open and giving Zaman Khan the last over. I would have liked if he have Shawaiz the gloves as well, over Shai Hope, but whatever.

Rizwan hasn’t done anything special. His team has been so good, that he hasn’t need to add anything with his captaincy. However, it’s good the way that he’s brought Ihsanullah along.

Imad played a captain’s innings, but captaincy wise, again, hasn’t done much. Qasim Akram wasn’t bowled at all, plus Imad continues to hog up PP overs. Not impressed.

Babar rotated his bowlers well to defend his target in Karachi of all players. However, not happy with him giving Sufyan Muqeem only one over. He needs to give the youngster more belief. So, an ok grade for me.

Sarfi gets a negative grade, chiefly because that team selection was shocking

 

[MenInG]

So which captain is doing the best, and which the worst?

 

[Saj]

So far, I'd say Rizwan has been the best and standout captain at PSL8.

 

[Rana]

So far, I'd say Rizwan has been the best and standout captain at PSL8.

We will see when he doesn’t have Miller, Russouw, David and Pollard bailing him out every time

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

We will see when he doesn’t have Miller, Russouw, David and Pollard bailing him out every time

How do you explain how the local players have overperformed under him?

 

[Rana]

If Rizwan is such a big Gun captain

Let Khushdil bat where Russow does and let Pakistani batsmen bat where Miller and TD do.

Let’s see if the guy is a proper leader for Pakistan or not

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

If Rizwan is such a big Gun captain

Let Khushdil bat where Russow does and let Pakistani batsmen bat where Miller and TD do.

Let’s see if the guy is a proper leader for Pakistan or not

You’re right. Similar to how Imad should play Sharjeel instead of Vince…oh wait

 

[hitthestump]

So far, I'd say Rizwan has been the best and standout captain at PSL8.

He's been the stand out Pakistani performer at PSL, period.

His captaincy, batting and also wicket keeping have been nothing short of sublime.

 

[Zaz]

If Rizwan is such a big Gun captain

Let Khushdil bat where Russow does and let Pakistani batsmen bat where Miller and TD do.

Let’s see if the guy is a proper leader for Pakistan or not

Think your confused rana Thats ths art of captaincy Making the best use of your available resources

Look at imad According to you hes got the best t20 opener in the land sharjeel but he cant geta tune out of him or some of the others in a team

 

[MenInG]

Sarfaraz am afraid is struggling to lead QG - early days but signs are not good.

 

[Saj]

Sarfaraz looks under pressure.

Team combination not right, tactics poor, body language poor.

 

[Rana]

Let’s see which captain has the guts to bat first after winning the toss

 

[cricketAXEpert]

So, I think it’s too simplistic to equate the best captain with just winning the tournament.

The different teams have differing resources.

I’d define successful qualities for the captain who shows the following :

1) Gets the most out of local Pakistani players, especially those that are underperforming at international level. ;

2) Gives youth a proper chance, rather than playing them for appearances sake in positions they can’t succeed. ;

3) Shows tactical intelligence, especially when it comes to field settings. ;

4) Shows situational awareness, especially when it comes to bowling changes and batting order changes. ; and

5) Handles pressure well, and positively motivates his players.

Winning has to be the first and foremost, a good captain is a competitive captain. Then comes using resources which means using Foreign and local players in order to win. I agree with points 3-5. Putting individuals before winning will be detrimental not only to the club but also to PSL. Foreign players if not given their due chance will not come because no other franchise will sign them up if they don't perform. With that being said a good captain will use the best player available not a friend or a parchi

 

[Saj]

So far I'd rank the skippers as follows:

Rizwan
Shaheen
Shadab
Imad & Babar
Sarfaraz

 

[MenInG]

So far I'd rank the skippers as follows:

Rizwan
Shaheen
Shadab
Imad & Babar
Sarfaraz

Spot on.

Sarfaraz a shadow of the leader we saw win the PSL a few years ago.

 

[Rana]

So far I'd rank the skippers as follows:

Rizwan
Shaheen
Shadab
Imad & Babar
Sarfaraz

In terms of players of Pakistan and not having to rely on overseas players…

1. Shadab
2. Imad
3. Rizwan
3. Shaheen
5. Sarfaraz
6. Babar

 

[Rana]

The biggest factor when selecting your next captain has to be the question of how he has handled his strategy with the 7 home players and not the 4 overseas players

There will be no Russow, Miller, Pollard to save Pakistan cricket team.

 

[Plumb]

Rizwan



Shadab, Shaheen, Imad
Rest of the captains couldn't make the list

 

[Saj]

In terms of players of Pakistan and not having to rely on overseas players…

1. Shadab
2. Imad
3. Rizwan
3. Shaheen
5. Sarfaraz
6. Babar

Aren't overseas players part of the team and don't need captaining?

 

[Rana]

Aren't overseas players part of the team and don't need captaining?

No. They are mercenaries

They only follow the dollar

 

[Saj]

No. They are mercenaries

They only follow the dollar

They have to be captained. They are part of the team.

 

[Ertugrul_Bey]

Shadab has to be the best captain in PSL. Not only he is very active captain on field but off field as well. Islamabad selects the best domestic talent season over season and even Azam Khan mentioned at his press conference today that it was Shadab who called him and ask him to join United.

 

[Rana]

They have to be captained. They are part of the team.

They have no say. No influence. No heart. No emotional investment

They have a job to do and they will do it. Captaining overseas players is captaining 4 robots on the pitch and the remaining few on the bench.

None of these captains besides Shahdab have shown enough trust on their national team players to do the heavy lifting.

Rizwan hiding behind his juggernaut overseas middle order

Babar stacking Powell, Neesham and Shanaka in crucial positions

Imad depending heavily on Wade and Vince to do serious damage for him

Sarfaraz hoping Roy or Guptil blast the opposition out of the water.

These key players will not be there to bail anyone of these captains out when you have Shan, Haider, Iftikhar and Khushdil to play key roles for you.

 

[daytrader]

Good matchup by Imad. Brought in Malik to get Rossouw and he does

 

[Saj]

I thought Imad did well in the field today especially given they weren't defending a big total. Bowling changes were mostly spot on.

Shaheen continues to impress as skipper. Seems like he is getting better with each match as a captain.

 

[ArabKnight]

I thought Imad did well in the field today especially given they weren't defending a big total. Bowling changes were mostly spot on.

Shaheen continues to impress as skipper. Seems like he is getting better with each match as a captain.

Not to mention, Imad Wasim is #3 in most runs scored and #1 in most sixes hit. All while being a middle order batsman.

#6 in most wickets taken. Another great stat.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

I thought Imad did well in the field today especially given they weren't defending a big total. Bowling changes were mostly spot on.

Shaheen continues to impress as skipper. Seems like he is getting better with each match as a captain.

I thought both Imad and Rizwan did well with their bowling changes today, ofcourse Multan completely flopped with the bat.

For me, the big red flag over Imad is his team selection and decision making, at times. For instance, sending Shoaib Malik out in the 18th over was really short sighted, when Imad should have walked out himself. Imad’s in better form, and had he faced the balls Shoaib did, Karachi could have made a bigger score.

Aamir Yamin , also keeps getting selected.

It’s heartening to see three very good captains emerge, in Shaheen, Shadab and Rizzy.

 

[Saj]

Of course the biggest error by any captain today was Rizwan winning the toss and bowling first on that surface.

Horrible mistake.

 

[ArabKnight]

Of course the biggest error by any captain today was Rizwan winning the toss and bowling first on that surface.

Horrible mistake.

Choosing after toss is one thing. But playing the match out is a million things.

 

[MenInG]

How the teams are doing so far

 

[Saj]

I'd now rank the skippers so far as follows:

Rizwan/Shaheen
Imad/Babar/Shadab
Sarfaraz

 

[CricVet]

The body language of Rizwan, Shadab, and Imad always looks positive - which is what I would like to see in a captain. Shaheen is too young and cannot be a captain until he is more mature. Babar is too timid. Sarfraz is done with captaincy and probably will retire in matter of few years.

 

[ArabKnight]

I'd now rank the skippers so far as follows:

Rizwan/Shaheen
Imad/Babar/Shadab
Sarfaraz

I rate them like this:
- Rizwan
- Imad
- Shaheen/Sarfraz
- Shadab
- Babar

 

[PakPremi]

Only real internationalcaptain material is Rizwan, since Sarfraz will not get selected for T20s. He also happens to be the most consistent batsman and very good keeper.

 

[Rana]

Only real internationalcaptain material is Rizwan, since Sarfraz will not get selected for T20s. He also happens to be the most consistent batsman and very good keeper.

This myth will be busted too when he doesn’t have Russow at 3 but Shan Masood or another pretender.

I’ll happily allow this to unfold. Can’t wait to be proven correct again

 

[ArabKnight]

All 6 captains in PSL are candidates of some capacity of the national captaincy. It’s a coincidence.

- Babar Azam of PZ: Current T20I Captain

- Sarfraz Ahmed of QG: Former T20I Captain

- Shadab Khan of IU: Former T20I Captain & Current T20I Vice Captain

- Imad Wasim of KK: Former T20I Vice Captain

- Shaheen Afridi of LQ: Future T20I Vice Captain (Najam Sethi Endorsed)

- Mohammed Rizwan of MS: Future T20I Vice Captain (Ramiz Raja Endorsed)

 

[Rana]

The best captain of Pakistani players so far is Shaheen, Imad and Shadab so far

Rizwan is heavily dependent on his 3, 4,5,6 international pros who are all established T20 middle order batsman in demand around the globe

Babar and Sarfaraz have managed their Pakistani players poorly, especially Sarfaraz who has 3 key Pakistani players in his line up

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

The best captain of Pakistani players so far is Shaheen, Imad and Shadab so far

Rizwan is heavily dependent on his 3, 4,5,6 international pros who are all established T20 middle order batsman in demand around the globe

Babar and Sarfaraz have managed their Pakistani players poorly, especially Sarfaraz who has 3 key Pakistani players in his line up

Put aside the player in Imad, who’s doing very well.

How can you justify Imad as a good captain? Putting results aside, where has he consistently shown good captaincy?

Has any Pakistani player over performed under him?

Has he brought through any young players?

Has his in game management been sound?

You can put Multan’s success on their middle order, but Rizwan’s in-game captaincy has been very very impressive.

 

[Rana]

Put aside the player in Imad, who’s doing very well.

How can you justify Imad as a good captain? Putting results aside, where has he consistently shown good captaincy?

Has any Pakistani player over performed under him?

Has he brought through any young players?

Has his in game management been sound?

You can put Multan’s success on their middle order, but Rizwan’s in-game captaincy has been very very impressive.

When you have a guaranteed 200 runs to play with, you are allowed a lot more flexibility as a captain. That’s what we have seen with Rizwan. His powerhouse middle order ensure they reach the 200 mark, and Rizwan has been doing well with 4 average bowlers tbf. This won’t be the case if that Middle order doesn’t fire

As for Imad, I don’t think he sets up to hold any kids hand and making him perform. He dropped Sharjeel and Haider instead of hoping they come into form like Rizwan did with Masood. He clearly isn’t one who carries players. Yes PSL is a development program too but Karachi already can’t afford to let novice players drag them down any more. The pressure on him is different in comparison to others, especially after his bold claims about picking match winners and not selfish players (straight up dig at Babar).

 

[Rana]

I keep reiterating

When judging the best captain, do not go by the results that are delivered on the basis of key overseas players for the captain/franchise and instead look at how the local players have responded and performed and provided the key performances for that captain.

For Shaheen; Fakhar, Baig, Abdullah, Jalat, Rauf and even Talat are responding well under him

For Shadab; Azam, Asif, Faheem, Abrar and even Hassan Ali to some extent are doing well

For Imad; he’s very quick to drop and replace poor performers be it national players, international pros or emerging players. He has done well with a handicapped attack of Aamer and Akif Javed. He’s missing his two spearheads in Amir and Mir Hamza. Now Tayyab will get a full run until the play offs at least

 

[Rana]

Put aside the player in Imad, who’s doing very well.

How can you justify Imad as a good captain? Putting results aside, where has he consistently shown good captaincy?

Has any Pakistani player over performed under him?

Has he brought through any young players?

Has his in game management been sound?

You can put Multan’s success on their middle order, but Rizwan’s in-game captaincy has been very very impressive.

I ask you, which batsman has developed under Multan Sultans for the past 3 years?

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

I ask you, which batsman has developed under Multan Sultans for the past 3 years?

You are right in that no batsmen has been developed, but that’s more team strategy than lack of chances. If you recall, young Aamir Azmat was given multiple chances in last year’s competition.

Fair to say that Sohaib Maqsood got back into the Pakistan team a few years ago based on his performances for Multan…


I think you’ll see Usman Khan and hopefully Arafat Minhas a few times in the next four games as well.

 

[Rana]

If Sultans wins the PSL under Rizwan and Rizwan is made captain, this will be his side;

1. Rizwan
2. Babar
3. Shan
4. Iftikhar
5. Khushdil
6. Shadab
7. Nawaz
8. Waseem jr
9. Shaheen
10. Naseem
11. Ihsanullah

How is this going to be a true reflection of Pakistan cricket considering the evidence we have in the PSL?