Babar Azam Reacts After Being Appointed As T20I Skipper For Pakistan

On Friday, Pakistan Cricket Board made a shocking announcement by removing Sarfaraz Ahmed from captaincy in Test and T20I format of the game. Azhar Ali replaced him in the longer version of the game while Babar Azam will lead Pakistan in the upcoming T20I series.

After a 0-3 bashing at the hands of a second-string Sri Lankan team, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday sacked Sarfaraz Ahmed as the team’s captain from Test and T20I formats.  Sarfaraz has not only been sacked as the captain but has also been dropped from the side ahead of the Australian tour.

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Babar Azam, the No.1 ranked batsman in T20Is, has previously captained Pakistan in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2012. He was vice-captain in the recently-concluded series against Sri Lanka and is presently captaining Central Punjab in the National T20 Cup.

I am ready for this challenge – Babar Azam

Speaking of the new role, Babar Azam quoted that he is pretty confident and elated to lead the Pakistan side in the upcoming series. Further, Babar added that he is confident of leading the team and happy to see himself taking the primary role for Pakistan in the shorter format.

“To be named captain of the No.1 ranked side in the world is the biggest thing that has happened to my career to date. I am ready for this challenge and also willing to learn more in the process. I feel it has been a natural progression for me and I am delighted that the PCB has put faith in my capabilities.

“Sarfaraz Ahmed has led the side in the shortest format by example. Now, it is my responsibility to take forward his accomplishments. So that we remain a consistent, attractive and powerful side,” Azam said.

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Sarfaraz is most fondly remembered to have guided Pakistan to a stunning ICC Champions Trophy win in 2017. It was where the Men in Green defeated India to clinch the prestigious title. With ICC World Cup 2020 is in the sights, it would be interesting to see how Babar Azam will lead the side.