According to sources, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has extended the offer of captaincy in the white ball formats to Babar Azam, but the talented player has yet to reach a decision. It's been reported that Babar has outlined certain conditions for accepting the captaincy role, one of which includes having a say in the appointment of coaches. Additionally, he has expressed his desire to lead the team in all three formats of the game.
However, there seems to be division within the national selection committee regarding this matter. A former Punjab caretaker minister, despite lacking a cricket background, opposes granting full authority to Babar. Some members of the selection committee are leaning towards allowing Shaheen Shah Afridi to continue as captain for the upcoming home T20 series against New Zealand in April, to give him an opportunity to showcase his leadership skills.
There is a prevailing sentiment among certain selectors that it would be prudent to observe a series or two before making a final decision regarding Babar's reinstatement as captain. Notably, after a meeting with Mohsin Naqvi, selectors including Muhammad Yousuf, Asad Shafiq, Abdul Razzaq, Wahab Riaz, and former minister Bilal Afzal have urged Naqvi to make the ultimate decision.
Despite the PCB chief's clear mandate for selectors to appoint the captain, there remains uncertainty surrounding the appointment of foreign coaches for the national team. Several foreign candidates, including Adam Voges, Luke Ronchi, Shane Watson, and Mike Hesson, have declined offers from the PCB.
Presently, the PCB is pinning its hopes on successful negotiations with Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie to take over as white ball and red ball coaches. However, Kirsten and Gillespie are insistent on bringing their own support staff, while the PCB aims to include some local players as assistant specialist coaches in the support staff.
Read also | KKR Cruise to Victory: Narine and Venkatesh Iyer Lead Charge Against RCB in IPL 2024
