Babar Azam Reappointed as Pakistan Test Captain
Babar Azam has been reinstated as Pakistan's Test captain, a move that has sparked debate about team harmony and his individual performance. The decision comes after Shan Masood was removed following 12 losses in 16 Tests, making him the second most unsuccessful Pakistani captain after Misbah-ul-Haq. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) implemented a "divide and rule" policy to curb player power, which previously saw Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi as a close-knit group that allegedly dominated team selections and contracts.
Concerns Over Babar's Batting Form
Babar's last Test century was in December 2022 against New Zealand. Since then, he has played 16 Tests, scoring 836 runs at an average of 26.96 with only four half-centuries. His global ranking has slipped from the top five to 19th. Critics argue that captaincy distracts him from batting, as seen in the past when his form dipped under leadership pressure. The selection committee dropped Shaheen Afridi for not playing domestic cricket, raising questions about why Babar—who has not played any first-class domestic matches—was not held to the same standard.
Divide and Rule: Impact on Team Unity
The PCB's strategy to weaken the influence of the Babar-Rizwan-Shaheen group has fractured friendships and damaged team morale. An incident was reported where Shaheen told Babar, "If you want to be captain, I will step down." Babar refused, but days later he was announced as captain. The board's actions have left the team at the bottom of the ICC Test Championship standings and second-last in rankings, with Bangladesh defeating Pakistan in two series.
Selectors' Role and Future Risks
Selectors Misbah-ul-Haq, Aaqib, and another non-cricketer campaigned for Babar's captaincy, and chairman Mohsin Naqvi acted on their recommendations. The current environment suits the selectors, but if results worsen, they may shift blame onto Babar. There are already indications that two other players have been shown dreams of T20 captaincy, suggesting Babar's tenure may be temporary. The article warns that Babar should be mentally prepared for potential scapegoating, as nothing is guaranteed in Pakistan cricket.
Call for Focus on Batting
The article argues that Babar should prioritize his batting over captaincy, citing examples of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli who struggled under leadership. It suggests finalizing the playing XI first and then appointing the most suitable captain, regardless of seniority. With upcoming series against West Indies and England, Babar faces a challenging situation where balancing captaincy and batting could determine his legacy. The author hopes for his success but cautions against repeating past mistakes.
