Babar Azam Warns Teammates Right After Becoming Pakistan's Test Captain

Babar Azam releases first statement after becoming Test captain [Source; AFP]

Pakistan cricket took a step backwards when they revealed Babar Azam as their next Test captain. He replaced Shan Masood, who failed to deliver the goods for Pakistan in red-ball cricket. Interestingly, this would be Babar’s second stint as Pakistan captain, having already led the side from 2020-23.

He resigned from his post after the 2023 World Cup disaster, and since then, Babar has been associated with the Pakistan Test team as a pure batter. However, in a surprising turn of events, PCB found no suitable alternative to replace Masood and went back to their former leader.

Why PCB decided to appoint Babar Azam as Test captain

In the current Test setup, there are hardly any experienced players with leadership capability apart from Babar. He has been associated with the team for almost a decade and has the experience of playing at the highest level.

Moreover, the PCB was happy with how Babar Azam improved his performances in the last few series, and they are confident that captaincy would once again elevate him to his best.

As captain, Babar scored truckloads of runs in Test cricket, and interestingly, his last century in this format came in December 2022, when he was the captain of the side. Hence, the management is hopeful that the right-handed batter could regain his previous form.

Babar Azam prioritises three major things as Pakistan captain

After becoming the captain of the Pakistan red-ball side, Babar Azam released his first official statement as he attended a podcast organised by the PCB.

The newly appointed leader of the Pakistan side stated that as the captain, his focus will be on three major areas: discipline, fitness and performance. He has warned his teammates that anyone who fails on the three parameters could be shown the exit door.

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“My main focus is on three things: discipline, fitness and performance. These will matter a lot for me as captain and for the team going forward. Whenever I get the opportunity to lead, I always try to back the players, but I will not compromise on these three things.”

Babar also added that he has learnt from his previous experience as Pakistan captain, and with time, he has matured as a leader.

“Whenever you get the opportunity to captain Pakistan, it is always an honour,” Babar said in an exclusive interview on Straight Drive with Salman Butt. “I have learnt a lot from my previous experience as captain and also from the time I played as a player. With time, you gain maturity and clarity. I am confident that this time, with good planning and a positive mindset, I will lead the team well.”

Challenges for Babar as Pakistan's Test captain

Babar’s biggest challenge would be to repay the faith of the selectors and the management by scoring runs once again. The PCB has shown faith in his ability, and the batter needs to respond with runs under his belt.

Also, Pakistan has a relatively fresh squad, with exciting young players in the ranks. How Babar will get the best out of them will be a major question that he needs to address.

Also, Pakistan currently languishes at the bottom of the WTC points table, and the 31-year-old will be tasked with improving the performances and stabilising the team as they prepare for the West Indies challenge.

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