Captaincy can affect Babar’s performance: Miandad

Batting legend Javed Miandad has said that handing over the captaincy to top-order batsman Babar Azam in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) can have an adverse effect on his performance.

While talking to APP, the former cricketer said that it would have been better if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had groomed the Lahore-born cricketer.

“Currently Babar was the No.1 ranked batsman in T20s. I fear his own performance may go down as the youngster lacked experience to lead the national side at such a higher level," said Miandad. “Sarfraz should have been continued as captain for the series against Australia next month while Babar should have been assigned as his deputy." 

“Though Sarfraz's performance had gone down as a batsman but he was an excellent wicketkeeper, so the board should have given him some time to recover,” he added.

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Miandad also asked the PCB to establish a variety of pitches at different stadiums around the country, to prepare players for the T20 World Cup.

“Pitches should provide equal opportunities to batters and bowlers and should allow all disciplines in the game to flourish," he said.

Speaking about the upcoming series against Australia, Miandad said the only way to select players for the series should be merit and physical fitness.

The Men in Green are scheduled to play two Tests and three T20Is in Australia.