Netizens took over social media and came in defense of their beloved skipper
11 April, 2023
PHOTO: PCB
Since Najam Sethi took charge of the PCB's office as management committee chairman, the national team's captaincy and Babar Azam's position, as well as his authority, have been swinging like a see-saw.
Things caught fire when Babar was rested for the Afghanistan series, and Shadab Khan was announced as his replacement - since he was the most potential candidate as vice-captain of the national team in the shorter format.
At that point, Sethi, took everyone, from journalists to fans, in trust that Babar, along with some other big names, had been rested for Afghanistan series because they had been playing non-stop cricket for last two years and needed a well-deserved break.
He also ensured there is no threat even remotely to Babar's captaincy and that he rules millions of hearts - he shall stay the captain of all three formats as long as he wants.
Unfortunately, Shadab, as a captain, couldn't register a win to his name, and Pakistan had to suffer a series failure for the first time in history against Afghanistan.
Given the circumstances, Babar Azam was recalled for the home series against New Zealand. But innuendo statements from the chair himself has put a question mark on the future of Babar Azam as the national team's skipper.
Few days back, Sethi, in one of his interviews, subtly blamed the interim selection committee, which was formulated in order to lead the selection of the test series against New Zealand - that some members of the committee wanted a captaincy switch. However, later onwards, they didn't find a solid reason to do so.
Refuting this statement, Afridi, who was then leading the interim selection committee, said that it wasn't him who suggested PCB to replace Babar as captain.
I spoke with Mr Najam Sethi who was kind enough to confirm he was not referring to me while commenting about Babar Azam’s captaincy. He has further clarified this in his social media posts. This has put the matter to bed.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) April 10, 2023
All the best to Babar and his side for the series vs NZ
To make the affairs more transparent, the chairman PCB took over his Twitter and made the future of the national team's skipper steer clear.
1/3 For months media and cricketing circles have been discussing pros and cons of retaining Babar Azam as captain in all formats of the game. Since this decision is ultimately Chairman’s, I have sought views of Selection Committees headed by Shahid Afridi and now Haroon Rashid.
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) April 10, 2023
2/3 Both Committees thought matter merited discussion but both later came to the conclusion that the status quo should be retained. I have subsequently publicly stated this position. In the final analysis my decision will be subject to the success or failure of status quo.
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) April 10, 2023
3/3. I will also be guided by what the Selectors and Director Cricket Ops and Head Coach have to say going forward. I expect they will be in the best position to advise me. Therefore we should support Babar and not make matter controversial in interests of national team.
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) April 10, 2023
The controversial statements, the cover-ups, and the blame game wasn't perceived pleasantly by the cricket fans, especially the Babar fandom. It was a matter of seconds for them when they started running #StayInYourLimitsNajamSethi and #BabarAzamIsOurRedLine on Twitter.
Teamwork makes the dream work, but it only takes one person to destroy it. Where destruction is the motive, unity is the main key to destroy this motive.#StayInYourLimitsNajamSethi#BabarAzamIsOurRedLine pic.twitter.com/5EMHETEuNn
— Zeshan⁵⁶ 🇵🇰 (@ZH_Syed56) April 10, 2023
Fans have gradually started to believe that a pre-notion agenda has been plotted against Babar by the current board regime.
One day it will all be over. But for now, let us bask in the regal aura of Babar Azam without trying to clip his wings ourselves just because we cannot fly like he can. After all, we may never see the likes of him ever again.#BabarAzamIsOurRedLine #StayInYourLimitsNajamSethi pic.twitter.com/gSohYAcJml
— عثمان (@usmssss) April 10, 2023
Many of them also came up with the assumption that since Pakistan captain was the former chair, Ramiz Raja’s favorite, Sethi and company have only been placing him on the revenge arc.
The true worth of Babar Azam may not be fully appreciated until he has departed.#BabarAzamIsOurRedLine pic.twitter.com/ITiQAkNBeD
— Ehtisham Siddique (@iMShami_) April 10, 2023
Pakistan cricket has seen several changes in captaincy over the years. The captaincy of the Pakistan cricket team is a prestigious position that comes with immense responsibility and scrutiny.
Frequent captaincy changes can have both positive and negative impacts on Pakistan cricket. It can potentially disrupt team stability, long-term planning, and player confidence, especially since we are standing in the World Cup year.
It is crucial for the Pakistan Cricket Board to carefully consider the timing and reasons for captaincy changes and strive for stability and continuity in leadership to build a successful and consistent cricket team.
