Who will replace Babar Azam as Pakistan captain? Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohd Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi in running

The cricketing world is abuzz with discussions about potential candidates who might take over the captaincy of the Pakistan national cricket team following the World Cup in India. As Pakistan gears up to tour Australia immediately after the World Cup, and with an eye on the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, a growing consensus within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is casting doubt on Babar Azam's leadership.

Babar Azam, who took over captaincy across all formats, is facing criticism for failing to deliver results. The disappointment of Pakistan's recent World Cup performances has only intensified the scrutiny of his leadership. The team has lost three consecutive matches, including an unexpected defeat against Afghanistan.

The situation is so critical that one reliable source close to the developments told PTI, "Only if Pakistan can stage a miracle and win all their remaining matches to qualify for the semi-finals of this World Cup does Babar stand any chance of surviving as captain, and even then he might be relegated to skipper in just the red-ball format."

The source emphasized that the knives are out for Babar, and his resignation as captain might be inevitable if the team returns home without playing in the World Cup semi-finals.

The discontent stems from Babar's unbridled power and authority as captain, with players of his choice consistently included in the team. Despite advice from former captains Misbah ul Haq and Muhammad Hafeez to make changes for the event in India, Babar had his way, with the chief selector, Inzamam ul Haq, fully supporting him.

The competition for the captaincy has already begun. Lobbying for potential candidates, including Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Muhammad Rizwan, and Shan Masood, is in progress. The PCB may opt for different captains for red and white ball formats.

"Sarfaraz might win the nod to captain the Test and ODI sides again while Shaheen may get a chance to be the T20 captain," the source disclosed.

Additionally, there are impending changes in the coaching staff. Mickey Arthur's support staff, which includes Grant Bradburn, Mornie Merkel, Andrew Puttick, and manager Rehan ul Haq, are under scrutiny and may be asked to step down after the World Cup.

While the PCB dismissed reports of disputes within the dressing room, the prospect of a new coaching staff and captain is likely when Pakistan embarks on the Test tour of Australia and the white-ball series in New Zealand after the World Cup. Babar Azam's ascent to captaincy in all three formats, from T20 captain in late 2019 to the leader of all formats by 2021, now faces a potential crossroads.

Also see: Former Pakistan cricketers criticise Babar Azam, want him to resign as captain

(With PTI inputs)