PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Gives Update on Babar Azam’s Captaincy Future Amid Criticism

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has addressed the speculation surrounding Babar Azam’s captaincy future, stating that no decision has been taken yet on the matter. Babar has been under fire after Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, where they failed to qualify for the Super 8 stage.

Naqvi, who is also the country’s interior minister, emphasized that hasty decisions should be avoided, especially when emotions are running high. “There is, however, no decision taken so far related to Babar Azam,” he said in an interview with Geo TV.

The PCB chief had earlier hinted at a “major surgery” being required due to the team’s poor performance, but has now clarified that no rash decisions will be made. “People are asking about surgery, but one should not take any decision while you are angry. Hasty decisions can prove to be harmful more often than not,” he explained.

Naqvi also revealed that he is investigating “grouping and politics” within the Pakistan team and has stressed that player selection will be directly linked to performance in domestic cricket. He expressed disappointment with the selection committee’s decision-making and has called head coach Kirsten and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood for a discussion on the team’s performance.

“Whoever made wrong decisions in the selection committee will also be held accountable,” Naqvi warned. “Kirsten has also submitted a detailed report on Pakistan team’s performance in the T20 World Cup.”

Pakistan’s next white-ball series is scheduled against Australia in November, and the team will be looking to bounce back from their recent disappointment.