Babar Azam to lead T20, Azhar to lead the test side against Australia
Safraz Ahmed failed to earn the nod of chief selector and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq to remain the captain of National limited overs side for the upcoming tour of Australia. Babar Azam will lead the T20 side whereas Azhar Ali will captain the test squad.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to remove Sarfraz Ahmed as the captain of the national cricket team. In his place, Babar Azam has been appointed the T20 captain for the upcoming series of Australia till the T20 World Cup that takes place next year.
The test captaincy has been handed to veteran Azhar Ali in a statement released by PCB.
The appointments were confirmed after Sarfaraz Ahmed was left out of both formats due to the drop in his overall form during the past few series.
PCB also confirmed that the vice captains will be appointed closer to the upcoming series while the ODI captaincy will be handed to someone in due time.
Babar Azam said that he was ready for the challenge posted by captaincy:
To be named captain of the No.1 ranked side in the world is the biggest thing that has happened to my career to date. I am ready for this challenge and also willing to learn more in the process. I feel it has been a natural progression for me and I am delighted that the PCB has put faith in my capabilities.
Azhar Ali on his appointment had following to say:
“There is no bigger honour than to captain the Pakistan national cricket team in the pinnacle format of the game. I feel humbled, excited and privileged, and with the support of the team, look forward to justifying the faith that has been entrusted upon me for the World Test Championship."
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