PCB must ask Babar Azam if captaincy is taking a toll on him, says Javed Miandad

Legendary Pakistan batter Javed Miandad has praised Babar Azam for his captaincy during the England series, but he believes if the Pakistani star’s batting is suffering due to the load of captaincy, then it is time he and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sit down and talk.

The 27-year-old was appointed captain in the shortest format ahead of the 2019 Australia series. In the following year, he took over ODI and Test captaincy.

“Babar is a world-class batsman. But the board should ask him if captaincy is taking a toll on him. There needs to be an honest conversation between him and the board. If he feels he can’t both perform with the bat and lead in the field, then the captaincy should stay with him. However, the board should clarify to Babar that he is their preferred choice for captain.”

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Pakistan and England will take on each other tonight in the series decider at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The seven-match series is currently levelled at 3-3.

Miandad emphasised that cricket is both an individual and team game.

“The players need to think of playing for Pakistan first. Once you want to deliver for Pakistan, you will automatically put an extra effort whether you’re bowling, batting or fielding.

“Pakistani players need to realise that they are good that is why they’re in the final eleven. The question of whether you’re good enough shouldn’t be there. You are good, now you just have to deliver what you’ve been asked to do on the day.”
Miandad also said that toss won’t and shouldn’t matter on Sunday.

“Play to your strength. If you believe you’re bowling can do better, then you should defend a target. If you’re batting is firing on all cylinders, then go for the chase. It is as simple as that.”

With both teams vying for the silverware in a see-saw series, Miandad says it is important for Pakistani players to avail whatever opportunity comes their way.

“No one can predict who’ll win,” said Miandad. “When you get an opportunity you will have to avail it. You have to constantly analyse the game and take decisions.”