Mohsin Naqvi breaks silence on Babar Azam’s future as captain

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has spoken on the future of Babar Azam as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team.

Speaking to the media, Mohsin Naqvi said that he is in touch with former cricketers and they will decide the future of Babar Azam’s captaincy.

“No decision has been taken so far regarding Babar Azam,” the PCB chief said, adding that he was seeking advice from former cricketers on how to improve cricket in Pakistan.

“I am only addressing former cricketers who are interested in the betterment of Pakistan cricket,” Naqvi added.

Pakistan Whites captain Babar Azam has received strong reactions after Pakistan’s elimination from the 2024 T20 World Cup in the group stage.

The Men in Green suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of the United States of America (USA) in their opening match, followed by another heartbreaking loss against India.

Although Babar Azam’s men won their matches against Ireland and Canada, they failed to qualify for the Super 8 stage of the tournament.

Naqvi told reporters that Gary Kirsten’s report has been received and the nation will see the change in Pakistan cricket.

“Babar made mistakes”

Commenting on his previous statement on the operation, Naqvi said: “People are asking questions about the operation, but one should not take a decision when one is angry.”

“Those who made bad decisions within the selection committee will also be held accountable,” he said.

The PCB chairman then said that he had called head coach Gary Kirsten and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood for a discussion on the Pakistan team’s performance.

Read more: Babar Azam talks about captaincy and disappointing T20 World Cup exit

Naqvi admitted that he was also studying the issue of “grouping and politics” within the Pakistani team.

“I also felt that Babar Azam had made mistakes,” Naqvi said.

“There will also be a post-mortem in the central contract, it will be subject to fitness,” Mohsin Naqvi said.

“The players will have to pass all fitness tests,” the PCB chairman said.