(Source X)
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has summoned Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten for discussions regarding the team’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024. Kirsten’s report, detailing Pakistan’s early exit from the tournament, will be a focal point of the meeting.
The meeting is also expected to address the future of Babar Azam as Pakistan’s captain following their elimination from the group stage after losses to the USA and India in their initial matches. Despite victories over Canada and Ireland, Pakistan fell short by one point behind the USA, resulting in their premature exit while India proceeded to win the championship.
Mohsin Naqvi summons Gary Kirsten for a meeting.
Last week, head coach Gary Kirsten and chief selector Wahab Riaz submitted their tour reports to chairman Mohsin Naqvi, covering player discipline, fitness, and game awareness, among other aspects.
According to Geo News, Mohsin Naqvi will review Gary Kirsten’s submitted report, which also includes discussions on Babar Azam’s future as Pakistan’s captain. Currently leading in ODIs and T20Is, Babar Azam’s captaincy has faced scrutiny following Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup, prompting debate among former cricketers and analysts about his leadership capabilities.
Mohsin Naqvi has indicated that any decision regarding Babar Azam’s captaincy will be made after consulting with former cricketers and considering inputs from Gary Kirsten.
“There is, however, no decision taken so far related to Babar Azam. I’m only speaking to those former cricketers who are interested in the betterment of Pakistan cricket,” Mohsin Naqvi was quoted as saying by Geo News.
Babar Azam ranks as the third-highest run-getter in T20Is.
Babar Azam emerged as Pakistan’s top scorer in the T20 World Cup 2024, amassing 122 runs in 4 matches. However, his strike rate of 101.66 has raised concerns about his adaptability in modern T20 cricket.
With 4145 runs in 123 T20Is at an average of 41.03 and a strike rate of 129.08, Babar Azam stands as the third-highest run-scorer in T20Is, trailing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Questions persist about his ability to accelerate the scoring rate.
Pakistan’s upcoming series in Australia in November provides time for adjustments, but decisions are crucial ahead of hosting the Champions Trophy 2025, requiring prompt action from the PCB to enhance the team’s prospects.
