Babar Azam's Captaincy: Will it End after the World Cup?

The Winds of Change: Pakistan Cricket and Babar Azam's Captaincy

Babar Azam's reign as Pakistan's cricket captain appears to be hanging by a thread, with the curtains potentially closing on his leadership journey after the upcoming World Cup. In the cricketing corridors, there's a growing consensus within the Pakistan Cricket Board that Babar has had his opportunity to prove himself, and the results as captain have been less than satisfactory.

A crucial point of contention has been the leaking of reports that highlight differences and disputes within the dressing room. Such developments have left the board far from pleased, raising concerns about the team's unity and cohesiveness.

Babar Azam now finds himself squarely in the crosshairs for Pakistan's recent Asia Cup and World Cup defeats. There has been no discernible effort to diminish his authority within the team. Despite suggestions from luminaries like Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez, Babar received carte blanche in selecting the players he wanted.

The captaincy tug-of-war further escalated when Babar Azam resisted adding the mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed to the World Cup squad. He relented only to an extent, agreeing to include Abrar as a traveling reserve for the tournament in India.

The battle for the captain's armband has intensified behind the scenes, with lobbies forming for potential candidates. The likes of Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shan Masood have set their sights on the coveted role. It's now probable that Pakistan will designate separate captains for red and white-ball formats.

Sarfaraz Ahmed may stage a comeback as the Test and ODI captain, while the T20 reins could possibly fall into the hands of Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The wind of change is also sweeping through the coaching staff. Figures like Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, Morné Morkel, Andrew Puttick, and manager Rehan ul Haq could soon be asked to step down post-World Cup.

As Pakistan embarks on their Test tour of Australia and the white-ball series in New Zealand following the World Cup, the nation is on the cusp of a new era. With the potential shift in captaincy and a revamped coaching staff, the future of Pakistan cricket is set to undergo a transformation. 🏏🇵🇰 

#CWC2023 #BabarAzam #SarfarazAhmed #ShaheenShahAfridi #Cricketlovers 

Ibrahim Zadran' Controversial Statement to dedicate POTM award to Afghan refugees

𝘼𝙛𝙜𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙞𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙨 

Pakistan and Afghanistan share a long history of friendship, cooperation, and cultural exchange. Pakistan has been a gracious host to Afghan refugees for over 40 years, providing them with shelter, education, health care, and livelihood opportunities. Pakistan has also played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s cricket development by providing coaching, training facilities, and allowing Afghan players in domestic cricket.

Yet, it is disheartening to see unwarranted attacks on Pakistan from some quarters. During the Cricket World Cup 2019 match in Headingley, Leeds between Pakistan and Afghanistan, some Afghan fans displayed anti-Pakistan banners and slogans. They also clashed with Pakistani fans and journalists outside the stadium, resulting in injuries and arrests.

 

Similar incident took place during the #AsiaCup2022 match between Pakistan and Afghanistan in which Afghanistan fans hurled chairs after losing to Pakistan. 

Recently, Afghan player Ibrahim Zadran's statement to dedicate the Player of the Match award in the #AfgvsPak match, which Afghanistan won by 8 wickets, to Afghan nationals forcibly returned from Pakistan appeared biased and somewhat insensitive, given the context.

These Afghan individuals are refugees, and their return to Afghanistan is expected, as they are not Pakistan’s nationals. Pakistan has been facilitating their voluntary repatriation in a dignified and orderly manner.

Pakistan deserves respect and appreciation for its generous hospitality and support to Afghan refugees and cricket. Pakistan has always stood by Afghanistan in times of need and crisis. Pakistan has also been actively engaged in the peace process and regional stability in Afghanistan. Pakistan and Afghanistan have a common destiny and a shared future. They should work together to foster mutual trust, harmony, and cooperation. 

It is the saying of Hazrat Ali Karamullah wajhu. "Beware of the evil of whomever you favour" 

Afghan cricketers should strive for maturity and grace in their actions, moving beyond biases. They should remember the favours of Pakistan and the favours should never be forgotten.

Cricket can be a powerful medium to bridge the gaps and promote goodwill between the two nations. 

#PakvsAfg #CWC2023 #IbrahimZadran 🇵🇰🏏🇦🇫

Sitarah Anjum

When Star Players Fall Short as Captains : Cricket's Unsolved Riddle

Unmasking the Hidden Truth: Star Players ≠ Star Captains in Cricket

Introduction:

In the world of cricket, it's a widely accepted belief that a great player will naturally make a great captain. However, as we delve into the annals of cricketing history, we find instances that challenge this notion. We explore the critical difference between being a stellar player and an effective captain, transcending the aura of star players. Join us as we uncover the intriguing world of cricket captaincy.

The Bailey Dilemma

George Bailey's stint as the captain of the Australian cricket team in the presence of luminaries like Warner, Smith, and Starc might puzzle some. "Why Bailey?" you might ask. The answer lies in understanding that a strong batsman or bowler doesn't automatically translate into a capable leader. This serves as a vital lesson in cricket's complex dynamics.

Indian Cricket's Tryst with Captaincy

Ganguly, Dravid, and Dhoni had the honor of leading the Indian cricket team in the presence of the "God of Cricket," Sachin Tendulkar. These great captains demonstrated that it's not about individual prowess but the ability to lead and inspire a team.

The Pakistani Perspective

In Pakistan, there's a prevalent belief that a top-notch player will inherently make an exceptional captain. However, the reality starkly contrasts this notion. Leading a cricket team isn't simply about individual performance; it's a unique skill set that requires a different approach.

The Labels We Bear

The cricketing community often witnesses passionate discussions and debates. Unfortunately, these discussions are sometimes met with labels like "keyboard warriors" or "armchair experts." But these conversations are essential for cricket's growth and evolution.

Crucial Questions for the Discerning Cricket Mind: Pakistan vs Afghanistan in CWC2023 

If you consider yourself a true cricket aficionado, here are some questions to ponder:

1. Why did Babar Azam introduce Haris in the powerplay, knowing Rauf's struggles in this phase?

2. What's the logic behind having two leg spinners in the team and then deploying them simultaneously?

3. When a team needs 100 runs with 8 wickets in hand, should the captain play defensively or opt for an attacking strategy?

4. With Afghanistan needing 30 runs on 30 balls, why was Usama Mir brought into the equation? Who's guiding these decisions?

Babar Azam: Batsman vs. Captain

Babar Azam undeniably shines as a batsman, but his captaincy raises questions. While his cricketing skills are top-notch, his leadership abilities are under scrutiny.

In conclusion, the cricketing world offers invaluable lessons about the dynamics of captaincy. Star players can be exceptional in their own right, but true leadership requires a different set of skills. As the cricketing community engages in discussions and debates, it's important to remember that these conversations are vital for the growth and improvement of the sport.

Stay tuned for more insights and analysis in the exciting world of cricket! 🏏🙌

Leave your comments and opinions below. 

#BabarAzam #CWC2023 #Cricketfans #Cricketfever

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝗺𝗽!

Babar Azam's limited involvement as captain on the field during the match raised concerns. Instances like the lengthy discussion without him, confusion with messages from the dressing room, and his absence during player interactions were noticeable. Babar remained at mid-on, seemingly disengaged, with minimal interaction with teammates.

The bowlers' discussion, as explained by Iftikhar Ahmed, highlighted the importance of bowlers advising each other. However, it's unclear why Rizwan was part of the group but not Babar.

These subtle dynamics may go unnoticed, but they raise questions about the captain's on-field leadership. 

#PAKvsAFG #BabarAzam

Sitarah Anjum

Pakistan's Defeat against India -the party has just begun!

Pakistan's Defeat against India -the party has just begun!

In the tumultuous world of cricket, Pakistan's team finds itself at a critical juncture, echoing a pattern of collapses that seem deeply ingrained. The recurring fragility is not just a result of momentary lapses but a symptom of a foundation susceptible to pressure, questioning the very essence of the team's resilience.

While defeats are part of the game, the concern lies in Pakistan's propensity to crumble without displaying the vigour expected at this level. The mental and technical weaknesses of the squad come to the forefront, unraveling a narrative of lost intent and a lack of fighting spirit in the face of formidable opponents.

At the helm is Babar Azam, leading the team for nearly three years. However, his captaincy has left much to be desired, especially under pressure. A glaring lack of shrewdness and innovative thinking, crucial for a modern-day captain, further compounds the team's challenges. Azam's own batting form adds another layer of concern to an already complex situation.

Pakistan's recent victories against Netherlands and Sri Lanka provide a temporary respite, but with matches against cricket giants like Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa looming, the real test awaits. The possibility of further setbacks against Bangladesh and Afghanistan looms large, given the current poor form of several key players.

A deeper issue surfaces as the team comprises out-of-form, half-fit players, seemingly selected through a lens of likes, dislikes, favouritism, and nepotism. 

The infusion of T20 players into the ODI team, ill-equipped to handle pressure situations, underscores a lack of game awareness and temperament. The selection process appears tainted, with players chosen based on T20 performance rather than merit or experience in first-class or domestic cricket.

The inclusion of Abdullah Shafiq and Saud Shakeel, driven by the failure of the opening pair and the fragile middle order, exposes a lack of foresight from both Babar Azam and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. Established players like Shan Masood, Imad Wasim, and Sarfraz Ahmed, despite stellar performances in local tournaments, remain on the sidelines, victims of a questionable selection process.

It's evident that those hindering deserving players are detrimental to Pakistan and its cricketing aspirations. The loss to India serves as a stark wake-up call, heralding a challenging journey ahead in the #CWC2023 against formidable opponents. As the cricketing saga unfolds, the true test of resilience and leadership beckons for Pakistan — the party has just begun, and the team's response will define its cricketing destiny in this world cup.

#IndvsPak #CWC2023 #BabarAzam