Wasim Akram backs Babar Azam as Test captain, rebuffs Mohammad Rizwan

Pakistan bowling legend Wasim Akram has backed Babar Azam to take over the national side’s Test captaincy.

Azam, who is also the captain of Pakistan’s limited-overs side, is the top contender to replace current Test skipper Azhar Ali ahead of Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand.   

“You ask me as a former player, yes, I back Babar to become Test captain because he is our future and he can continue for a long time,” Akram said on YouTube channel 'Cricket Baaz'. “If the PCB appoints him they should for a proper time so that at least there is no confusion as to who is in charge in the dressing room.”

The former left-armer also brushed aside the notion that the burden of captaincy will affect Azam’s batting.

“He is our best player and people who say that making him Test captain will affect his batting, don't buy that because he is a batsman and it is his job to score runs,” he said. “Aren't Virat Kohli or Kane Williamson also captains and top batsmen?”

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Akram was also not impressed with the fact that wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is one of the candidates for Test captaincy.

“Look how many matches has he [Rizwan] played? I know he will be upset with me for saying this but he has to first establish himself in the team to be considered as a candidate,” he said.