Shoaib Malik rejects Babar Azam as captain of Stallions for Champions Cup

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has recently taken on a new challenge as the mentor of the Stallions for the upcoming Champions One Day Cup 2024. He was recently named Stallions’ mentor for the upcoming Champions One Day Cup 2024 to broom the players at the domestic level.

With a career spanning over two decades, Malik is now ready to uplift Pakistan cricket with his extensive experience as the captain and all-rounder.

The new mentor has a broader vision of instilling the qualities that he believes Pakistan cricket currently lacks—physical fitness, game awareness, and a deep sense of professionalism.

Shoaib Malik takes on mentor role for Stallions; aims to revitalize Pakistan Cricket

Malik’s appointment comes at a time when Pakistan cricket is finding its old era when they were one of the dominating forces in the world, and his presence as a mentor is set to be a game-changer.

The former Pakistan skipper’s sharp observations about the gaps highlight his determination to bring about changes. Malik is driven to make impactful changes that could shape the future of Pakistan cricket.

Shoaib Malik said at the press conference: “Pakistan is lacking physical fitness, game awareness, and professionalism. I have accepted this role to make things right and give something back to Pakistan.”

Update: Shoaib Malik has been named the mentor of Stallions for Champions One Day Cup 🔥

He said "Pakistan is lacking physical fitness, game awareness, and professionalism. I have accepted this role to make things right and give something back to Pakistan" 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/DAEDTTpI2B

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) August 29, 2024

One of the burning questions surrounding Shoaib Malik’s new role is whether Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star batter and current white-ball captain, will lead the Stallions. However, Shoaib Malik has made it clear that his focus is on identifying and grooming a leader who shows the qualities he values in a captain.

Shoaib Malik eyes future captain who can elevate Pakistan Cricket

Shoaib Malik believes that leadership is about more than just tactical acumen on the field, as it’s about having the vision, resilience, and the ability to inspire a team under pressure.

With his experience and deep understanding of the game, Shoaib Malik is on a mission to find a leader who can eventually rise to become a successful captain for Pakistan.

His approach indicates a forward-thinking strategy, where the former all-rounder isn’t just looking at the immediate results but is investing in the future of Pakistan cricket, setting the stage for nurturing a captain who can take the national cricket team to new heights.

Shoaib Malik added, “I will pick the leader; I will pick someone who I can groom as captain. For me, leadership skills are different. I will pick someone who can prove to be a successful captain for Pakistan in the future."

Shoaib Malik answers if Babar Azam will be captain of Stallions "I will pick the leader, I will pick someone who I can groom as captain. For me leadership skills are different. I will pick someone who can prove to be a successful captain for Pakistan in future" 🇵🇰🤯 pic.twitter.com/XGc13xuqnJ

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) August 29, 2024

Meanwhile, the Pakistan team is currently hosting Bangladesh in a two-match Test series in Rawalpindi.

However, the hosts suffered an embarrassing defeat of 10 wickets in the first Test against Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The second and final test will begin on Friday, August 30, in Rawalpindi. The PCB had also announced their team for the final Test against the Tigers.