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Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi opines that Babar Azam doesn’t require a deputy to support him during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 next month.
Babar Azam and his team are currently in the final leg of their European tour, which commenced earlier this month with a three-match T20I series in Ireland. Following the Irish series, the Pakistani team traveled to England, where they secured their first series victory in over a year, winning 2-1.
The Men in Green are presently awaiting the conclusion of their series against England in the four-match T20I series, with the hosts leading 1-0. Unfortunately, inclement weather has disrupted two out of three matches, resulting in no play. The second T20I saw the hosts emerge victorious by 23 runs.
Mohsin Naqvi believes that Babar Azam doesn’t require a vice-captain because he has confidence in Azam’s leadership abilities and feels that Azam can effectively lead the team on his own during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Mohsin Naqvi recently attended a gathering at the Pakistan House in London, where he joined the Pakistani team and coaching staff for dinner. During this event, he engaged with the media to discuss the ongoing debate regarding the necessity of having a vice-captain within the team.
Naqvi, who assumed his position last year, expressed his firm belief that Babar Azam possesses all the necessary qualities to lead the team effectively without the need for a vice-captain. According to him, Babar’s experience and capabilities make him more than adequate to handle the responsibilities of leadership. “I firmly believe that Babar Azam alone is fully equipped for the task. Our team boasts a formidable combination and is exceptionally competent,” Naqvi asserted.
The decision of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to refrain from appointing a vice-captain might stem from a desire to avoid any potential conflicts between the captain and his deputy, particularly during a challenging phase for the team. With the team facing difficulties, the PCB likely aims to prevent any further discord among the players.
Highlighting Babar Azam’s track record, it’s worth noting that under his captaincy, Pakistan reached the knockout stages of the previous T20 World Cups in 2021 and 2022. Despite facing elimination in the semi-finals against Australia in 2021 and in the final against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2022, Babar’s leadership proved instrumental in guiding the team to those stages of the tournament.
Naqvi emphasizes the importance of providing unwavering support to the team.
Mohsin Naqvi extended a call to all citizens of Pakistan, urging them to rally behind their nation during the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, set to be held in the USA and West Indies. As the head of the PCB, he appealed for a cessation of criticism directed towards the team for the duration of the tournament, stressing his conviction that this squad possesses the potential to clinch the World Cup title, following their unsuccessful bid in 2022.
“This is the time to support the team. I urge everyone to stop criticizing the team for the next four weeks. This team will win the World Cup for you.” – Naqvi added.
Mohsin Naqvi also disclosed that he has advised the players to focus on their preparation and not to overly concern themselves with the outcomes. He concluded by expressing his confidence that, with God’s grace, the team will advance to the final stages of the tournament.
“I have encouraged the players to focus on their game without the pressure of winning or losing. Give your best effort. Winning and losing are in Allah’s hands. I see this team going very far in the World Cup.” – Mohsin Naqvi concluded.
