PAKISTAN: Pakistan cricket is prepared for a full examination of its squad structures in the wake of a disastrous home season, which could result in Babar Azam losing his captaincy.
According to multiple sources, senior staff members in the new management structure for the board have stated that they want to reassure players and coaches that they are committed to challenging the status quo when necessary.
Babar Azam may lose part of his current power as a multi-format captain if such a challenge fragments Pakistan’s captaincy across all formats.
The current PCB administration created the interim selection committee, which is also a temporary arrangement.
The national men’s team’s head coach, Saqlain Mushtaq, is anticipated to step down when his contract expires in February.
The board plans to conduct its study and make changes after the PSL concludes in March.
Ramiz Raja’s government was replaced by Najam Sethi’s just three weeks ago, and since then, they have actively looked at Pakistan’s recent organisational results.
One of their first moves was to appoint Shahid Afridi to lead the selection committee in place of Mohammad Wasim to choose the ODI team for the current series against New Zealand.
However, it seems that the biggest hubbub is occurring on the side itself. Shan Masood, who was chosen by Sethi, took the role of Shadab Khan, who normally served as Babar’s deputy but is out with a finger injury.
Masood’s recall surprised everyone because he hadn’t really been involved in the discussion since his final ODI in 2019.
Additionally, after being absent for a while, Haris Sohail was abruptly brought back into the roster on the grounds that previous selectors had unfairly treated him.
Masood’s sudden promotion to vice captain, however, has been perceived by some as a challenge to both his and Babar’s leadership.
This is thought to have caused unrest and hostility within the core of the national team, the majority of whom are loyal to Babar.
The appointment of Masood is a prime illustration of this administration’s desire to change the status quo.
Babar’s leadership has come under scrutiny following Pakistan’s recent Test home season, which saw them lose three out of five matches and they picked up just one victory.
This is despite the fact that he still has complete control over his side and is an excellent batter.
Strangely, this change is taking place during a 50-over match, a format in which this team appears to be most comfortable and accustomed.
Sethi, however, wants Arthur to join his team and offers him cricket-related guidance. It’s thought that Sethi and Arthur suggested Masood get a promotion in a casual talk. Masood participated in last summer’s Derbyshire team under Arthur.
The PCB also gave Mark Coles, the former head coach of the women’s team, a one-year contract after he left in 2019 citing family obligations. His initial tenure had ended at that point.
Shahbaz Sharif, the PCB patron in chief and prime minister, replaced Ramiz and his board last month with a 14-member management committee led by Sethi.
The PCB’s constitution may be altered by the committee within 120 days, bringing it back to the 2014 version that was modified in 2019.
Also Read: Will Babar Azam Step Down as Pakistan’s Captain?
