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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is all set to surprise everyone as Babar Azam is reportedly being considered for the all-format captaincy, leaving Shaheen Afridi’s position as ODI captain uncertain.
Actually, Pakistan has been making several changes because of poor results, and now fresh reports suggest that Babar could once again become Pakistan's captain in all three formats of the game. Amid this, CSK desperately want Ben Stokes back in the IPL.
Babar Azam set to return as Pakistan’s all-format captain
As reported by Telecom Asia Sport, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already promised Babar Azam all-format captaincy and is now thinking about giving him the ODI captaincy as well.
It is being said that Babar agreed to take charge of the Test team after getting an assurance that he could eventually become the Pakistan captain across all formats.
Two Pakistan selectors have reportedly told Babar that his performance as captain would really matter to his all-format captaincy dreams during Pakistan's upcoming Test tours.
They have already played two Tests in the West Indies, where they have levelled the series 1-1, and are now scheduled to play three Tests in England. If Pakistan gets good results on the England tour, Babar could become the strong choice for the all-format captaincy. But the PCB is now considering giving him the ODI captaincy.
Shaheen Afridi’s Pakistan ODI captaincy in doubt
Shaheen Afridi was appointed Pakistan's ODI captain in October last year. However, the PCB did not give him a fixed period as captain. His appointment came after Mohammad Rizwan's poor captaincy. Amid this, Sourav Ganguly and wife Dona receive death threats, Kolkata Police launch investigation.
The team suffered an early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and then faced another major setback when they lost an ODI series against the West Indies after 24 years.
Despite the latest reports about Babar, Shaheen Afridi stressed that he is still Pakistan's ODI captain at the moment. The fast bowler was also asked about the support he is getting from white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and chief selector Aaqib Javed, and he said, “Till now I am the captain.”
Basit Ali backs Babar Azam for 2027 World Cup captaincy despite Shaheen Afridi’s PSL success
Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has also recently backed the idea of Babar Azam leading Pakistan in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup despite Shaheen Afridi having already shown his leadership skills in the Pakistan Super League. He has guided Lahore Qalandars to three PSL titles in the last five years.
Pakistan has already planned a busy schedule before the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. The team will take part in a home tri-series involving Sri Lanka and England. After that, the Men in Green are expected to play another tri-series involving Zimbabwe and Ireland.
Zimbabwe is likely to host that competition. Pakistan will then travel to England for a five-match series. These matches will be important for Pakistan's preparation for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. They will also give the PCB enough time to decide who should lead the team.
