Calls to remove Babar Azam as Pakistan captain grow louder after PCB hints at performance-based decision

Calls to remove Babar Azam as Pakistan captain grew louder on Thursday after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hinted that the team's performance could decide his fate.

"Addressing the media scrutiny directed at captain Babar Azam and the team management, the Board's stance, echoing that of former cricketers, is that successes and defeats are part of the game. Captain Babar Azam and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq were given freedom and support in forming the squad for the ICC World Cup 2023," the PCB said in a statement.

"Looking ahead, the Board will make decisions in the best interest of Pakistan cricket based on the team's performances in the World Cup. At present, the PCB encourages fans, former players and stakeholders to rally behind the team as they strive to make a triumphant comeback in the mega-event."

Pakistan have four points from five matches, having suffered consecutive defeats against India, Australia and Afghanistan. They meet South Africa on Friday.

Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, under whose leadership Pakistan won the Champions Trophy in 2017, is being tipped to take over. Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi are also reportedly being considered for the role.

"It is almost over for Babar... Only if Pakistan can stage a miracle and make the semi-finals does he stand a chance of keeping his seat of power. Else, he might be relegated to captaincy in only Test cricket," a source told The Telegraph.

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja was recently quoted as saying: “After this World Cup, there has to be a serious discussion about altering the DNA of this team. They need a complete overhaul in terms of mindset, approach, new talent, and new ideas... Pakistan have hit rock bottom. Babar Azam needs to step up and prove himself as a leader amid all this."

Another former captain, Wasim Akram, was equally scathing on a Pakistani TV channel. “From chairman, selectors, captain, coaches everyone is responsible for this debacle,” Akram said.

Proteas firepower to greet erratic Pak

Calcutta: South Africa will look to continue with their show of power when they face Pakistan on Friday.

While the Proteas, who are placed second in the standings with four wins from five games, have muscled their way forward with confident performances barring the lone defeat against the Netherlands, Pakistan have been shrouded in self-doubt.

Pakistan’s campaign has nosedived with three consecutive losses, the last being against Afghanistan, after beginning the tournament with back-to-back wins. Given the way the South Africans are playing, Pakistan will have to play out of their skins for a favourable result.

South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen gets a ‘visitor’ on the sidelines of the team’s practice session in Chennai on Thursday.PTI photo

The Proteas batters have seemed unstoppable, especially Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen. South Africa have breached the 300-mark in four of their five games. Against Sri Lanka, they amassed a 400-plus total.

Needless to say then the Pakistan bowling attack will face a stern test on Friday. A change in personnel might help them add variety to their attack which has looked short on ideas.