Reports: Babar's captaincy hanging by a thread as Sarfaraz, Rizwan, Shaheen are in contention for prestigious role

Babar Azam's tenure as Pakistan captain could come to an abrupt end after the team's lacklustre performances in the Asia Cup 2023 and the ongoing ODI World Cup have apparently forced the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to search for appropriate alternatives.

Under Babar's leadership, Pakistan are currently placed at No. 5 on the points table in the World Cup with two wins and three losses in five matches. The three defeats have come in the last three matches played by Pakistan and this includes a shambolic seven-wicket defeat versus arch-rivals India and a shocking loss to Afghanistan. Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, and pacer Shaheen Afridi are reportedly being considered as Babar's replacement in the captaincy role after the conclusion of the showpiece event. Only a semi-final finish might save the captaincy of ICC's top-ranked ODI batter.

"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," a source close to the development was quoted as saying by India Today.

"It is over for Babar because he has been given unbridled power and authority as captain and more importantly he has always had players of his choice in the team. There has never been any attempt to reduce his authority and so he is now being held solely responsible for the Asia Cup and World Cup defeats," the source added.

Pakistan could have new coaching staff post ODI World Cup 2023

The source also said that the current coaching staff of Pakistan, comprising Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, Andrew Puttick, and Morne Morkel might be shown the door after the ODI World Cup 2023. After the prestigious 10-team tournament, Pakistan will travel to Australia to play a three-match Test series, and a new coaching staff and captain could be in action.

"They are very bright chances that Pakistan will have a new coaching staff and captain when they embark on the Test tour of Australia and for the white ball series in New Zealand after the World Cup. 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 said.

Sarfaraz has an impressive resume as captain as he has coveted titles like the U-19 World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy in his cabinet. Fellow wicketkeeper Rizwan has led Pakistan in two games and ended up on the losing side. Meanwhile, Shaheen is yet to lead Pakistan.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Points Table