Four potential candidates to replace Babar Azam as captain revealed

Following Pakistan's disappointing performance in the 2023 World Cup, scrutiny has intensified on Babar Azam's captaincy.

Various former cricketers have advised him to step down from the captaincy and concentrate solely on his batting skills. Sources suggest that the board is also inclined towards this viewpoint. However, there are differing opinions, with some circles suggesting that Babar should continue as the captain for the Test series against Australia while relinquishing limited-overs captaincy.

Babar Azam is meeting Zaka Ashraf, the head of the PCB management committee, today at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. During the meeting, Babar might be presented with the option to resign from captaincy.

Among the potential candidates for the captain's role in the upcoming Test series against Australia, Shan Masood has emerged as a strong contender, while Shaheen Shah Afridi is being considered for the T20I series in New Zealand. 

Sarfaraz was also in the running for the Test captaincy, but associates close to him advised against taking on the role, citing the challenging nature of the Australia Test tour for a new captain.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, with consecutive titles with Lahore Qalandars, is being mentioned as a possible leader for the Men in Green in the upcoming T20 World Cup. 

Furthermore, Imad Wasim, who is currently training at the National Cricket Academy, may also be in contention. Following impressive performances in PSL 8, Imad made a comeback in the T20I side and is a regular member of it now. He also gave impressive performances for Jamaica Tallawahs in the recent edition of the CPL in the West Indies, the venue for the next T20 World Cup. He is also expected to meet with the PCB chief soon.