Pakistan coaches Kirsten, Gillespie advise against hasty captaincy changes
Pakistan's cricket team coaches, Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, have urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to hastily change captains following recent underwhelming performances. This advice comes after Babar Azam was dismissed from white-ball captaincy after Pakistan's under-par performance in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. His successor, Shaheen Shah Afridi, also faced removal after a disappointing series. Now, Test captain Shan Masood's fate hangs in balance after Pakistan suffered 2-0 series defeat to Bangladesh at home.
Coaches advocate for continuity in leadership
In the Test format, Babar's resignation led to Shan Masood's appointment as captain. However, following a 0-2 Test series loss to Bangladesh, there have been calls for his immediate removal. A PCB source confirmed that Kirsten and Gillespie believe both Shan and Babar should be given a fair chance before assessing their leadership skills. The coaches have emphasized the need for consistency in captaincy to the Board.
PCB's upcoming one-day workshop
The PCB has clarified that neither the captaincy nor team selections will be discussed at a one-day workshop scheduled in Lahore later this month. The 'Connection Camp' aims to re-unite domestic team coaches, selectors, and contracted players to improve domestic cricket standards. Gillespie and Kirsten have advised the PCB chief that patience and consistency in policies are essential for long-term success across all formats.
Leadership skills questioned after T20 World Cup exit
Babar Azam's leadership skills have been under intense scrutiny since Pakistan's surprising exit from the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. The team failed to advance beyond the group stage, after losing to hosts USA and arch-rivals India. This led to severe criticism from former cricketers and fans alike, questioning Babar's ability to lead effectively.
Babar's future as white-ball captain appears secure
Despite the criticism, it appears that Babar's position as Pakistan's white-ball captain is secure for now. The PCB is expected to retain him in this role for the impending tours to Australia and South Africa, as well as the ICC Champions Trophy. This decision aligns with Kirsten and Gillespie's stance on maintaining leadership stability within the team.
