Mohsin Naqvi breaks silence on Babar Azam's future as Pakistan captain

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has opened up on Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam's future as Pakistan's captain. Babar Azam has received severe criticism from the experts and various factions after Pakistan's poor performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024.

In the tournament, Pakistan lost the first two games to the USA and India and failed to qualify for the Super 8 stage. The defeat to the USA was particularly shocking given Pakistan had way more experience and was the huge favorite to win the game.

In the match against India, the Men in Green looked in a great position at one stage. But some poor batting combined with some skillful bowling from India led Pakistan to their second loss in as many games.

Despite victories in their last two group games against Canada and Ireland, Pakistan found itself one point short of the USA and failed to make it past the group stage. The early elimination led to a huge backlash from the country's former cricketers and fans.

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Mohsin Naqvi opens up on Babar Azam's future as Pakistan's captain

While speaking to the reporters in Lahore, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that Babar Azam's future as Pakistan's captain will be decided by the country's former cricketers and Pakistan's white ball head coach Gary Kirsten.

"A decision on Babar Azam's captaincy will be made after consultation with former cricketers and white ball coach Gary Kirsten, says Mohsin Naqvi," Faizan Lakhani, a journalist at Pakistan's Geo News posted on X (formerly Twitter).

A decision on Babar Azam's captaincy will be made after consultation with former cricketers and white ball coach Gary Kirsten, says Mohsin Naqvi.

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) July 4, 2024

Along with his captaincy, Babar Azam failed to create any big impression with the bat as well. Being the best batter of his side, he had a strike rate of just 101.66 across four matches in the tournament, which didn't help his side's cause.

Naqvi also mentioned that he is talking about only those former cricketers who are in the betterment of Pakistan. "I'm only speaking to those former cricketers who are interested in the betterment of Pakistan cricket," Naqvi said.

"Hasty decisions can prove to be harmful" - Mohsin Naqvi

After Pakistan's elimination, Naqvi called for major surgery in Pakistan cricket. When asked about his comments, Naqvi answered that the decisions must not be taken in anger or haste.

"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," Naqvi replied.

The PCB chairman stated that they have received a detailed report from head coach Gary Kirsten and action will be taken soon.

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

Pakistan's next international assignment is in November when they travel to Australia to play an ODI and a T20I series. Following that, they will travel to South Africa to play an all-format series.