Pakistan cricket's shocking twist, 3 surprising contenders emerge to succeed Babar Azam as captain

The Pakistan cricket team is currently on the hunt for a new captain following Babar Azam's shocking resignation as the white-ball captain. With the top position now vacant, three prominent names have surfaced as potential successors, each bringing a unique set of skills and experiences to the table.

Test vice-captain Saud Shakeel, explosive opener Fakhar Zaman, and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha are reportedly in the running to take over as the white-ball captain of the Pakistan cricket team. Among these candidates, Shakeel's recent rise in Test cricket has placed him in the race for captaincy.

Pakistan in search of new white-ball captain after Babar Azam's shocking resignation

Having replaced Mohammad Rizwan as the Test vice-captain during the recent series against Bangladesh, Shakeel has showcased his cricketing acumen and calm demeanor, qualities that could make him a strong contender for the white-ball captaincy.

Meanwhile, Fakhar, who is known for his aggressive batting, also has leadership experience, having captained Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). His dynamic approach could bring fresh energy to the Men in Green as the white-ball captain.

Interestingly, Salman has also emerged as a dark horse for Pakistan’s white-ball captaincy despite not having any captaincy experience at the domestic level, but his all-round contributions on the field and versatility make him a wildcard in the race for the captaincy.

As the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) weighs its options, two prominent names seem to be out of the race to replace Babar as the white-ball captain. Star wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and star pacer Shaheen Afridi, despite their leadership stints in other formats, reportedly have slim chances of being considered for the white-ball captaincy.

Rizwan’s demotion from vice-captain in the Test side and Shaheen’s recent removal as T20I captain have reportedly diminished their prospects in the white-ball format of the game.

Was Babar Azam's resignation influenced by Gary Kirsten?

This leadership transition began Pakistan's dismal ODI World Cup 2023 campaign and Babar Azam’s decision to step down from the captaincy across all formats.

The PCB had initially split the leadership duties, assigning Shaheen Afridi the T20 captaincy and handing the Test reins to Shan Masood. While Babar returned to lead the white-ball team earlier this year, his resignation has left the PCB with a significant decision to make.

Meanwhile, it is being said that a report by Pakistan’s white-ball coach, Gary Kirsten, was the major reason behind Azam’s sudden resignation as captain of both the T20I and ODI teams.

Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, where they faced shocking defeats to co-hosts USA and fierce rivals India, had already questioned Babar’s position as the captain.

However, Kirsten’s confidential report, submitted to the PCB following the T20 World Cup 2024, has intensified the debate surrounding Babar’s resignation as the white-ball captain. Notably, Pakistan will be next hosting England in a three-match Test series at home.