Former Pakistan cricketer calls for new Pakistan T20I captain

Damia Zuhur - Sports Correspondent Published April 3, 2023

Last updated: 2023/04/03 at 2:49 AM

3 Min Read

Former Pakistan cricketer calls for new Pakistan T20I captain:

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has suggested that Shadab Khan should be appointed as the new captain of Pakistan’s T20I team, replacing Babar Azam. The ex-batsman criticized Azam’s captaincy and slow batting in T20Is and believes that a change in leadership is needed to address the recent disappointing results.

Shadab, who is a spin-bowling all-rounder, has been a key player for Pakistan in T20Is in recent years. The 24-year-old has also shown his leadership qualities, having recently captained Pakistan in Azam’s absence during a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in Sharjah. Although Pakistan lost the series 2-1, Shadab’s captaincy was praised by many cricket experts.

Basit Ali believes that Shadab’s experience and aggressive approach to the game make him a strong candidate for the captaincy role in T20Is. He also suggested that Shadab’s style of play could bring a fresh approach to the team’s leadership, which is needed to turn their fortunes around.

“Shadab Khan could be Pakistan’s choice as captain in T20I cricket,” Basit Ali was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

Pakistan has had mixed results in T20Is in recent months, winning some matches but also suffering some disappointing losses. Babar Azam, who is currently the captain of Pakistan’s T20I team, has come under criticism for his slow batting in T20Is and his approach to captaincy.

Pakistan is set to play a five-match T20I series and a five-match ODI series against New Zealand from April to May. The series will be an opportunity for Pakistan to bounce back from their recent losses and to prove their critics wrong.

It remains to be seen whether the Pakistan Cricket Board will consider Basit Ali’s suggestion and appoint Shadab Khan as the new captain of the T20I team. However, with the team’s recent performances being under scrutiny, there is a good chance that changes may be made to the leadership and playing squad ahead of the series against New Zealand.