Former cricketer backs Mohammad Rizwan to replace Babar Azam as Pakistan captain

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has expressed his support for Mohammad Rizwan to replace Babar Azam as the captain of the national white-ball team, highlighting the wicketkeeper-batter’s leadership potential.

Amid growing speculation that Babar's tenure as Pakistan's white-ball captain may be coming to an end, Rizwan has emerged as a top candidate to replace him.

Basit Ali, while speaking on his YouTube channel, praised Rizwan’s leadership skills, particularly after witnessing him lead the Markhors in a dominant win against the Stallions in the Champions One-Day Cup. He highlighted Rizwan's ability to read pitch conditions, a trait he believes is superior to that of both Babar and Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood.

"The way Rizwan led the side, he proved there is no better skipper than him. He has shown it with his captaincy. He read the pitch; it is a big thing. Even Babar can't do that. I am not even talking about Shan. If you don't make him captain at this time, then it is a loss for Pakistan. This is the best time you should make Rizwan the captain," Basit said.

Pakistan's cricket team has faced recent struggles, prompting concerns about leadership changes. Coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie have urged the PCB to avoid rash decisions.

After the ODI World Cup 2023, Babar Azam was replaced by Shaheen Afridi as white-ball captain, but Afridi's tenure ended after a poor series. Shan Masood, now the Test captain, saw a home series loss to Bangladesh, sparking discussions about his future. 

However, a PCB source has dismissed rumors of further captaincy changes, emphasizing the need to give both captains time to prove themselves.

It is worth noting that Babar Azam's role as Pakistan's white-ball captain will officially commence in November, with the team set to face Australia in ODI and T20I series.

ODI series schedule:

• 4 November: MCG, Melbourne (D/N) 
• 8 November: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (D/N) 
• 10 November: Perth Stadium, Perth (D/N)

T20I series schedule:

• 14 November: The Gabba, Brisbane (N)
• 16 November: SCG, Sydney (N)
• 18 November: Bellerive Oval, Hobart (N)