Younis Khan names candidate for Pakistan captaincy after T20 World Cup exit

Former 2009 T20 World Cup winning captain Younis Khan has put forward a surprising choice for Pakistan's next cricket captain after Babar Azam. 

In light of Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, which ended prematurely before the super 8 round, Khan expressed his views during a recent interview with a local sports platform.

The former cricketer advocated for Fakhar Zaman to take over the captaincy reins from Babar Azam.

“Why can’t Fakhar Zaman be the captain of the side isn’t he a performer? Didn’t he do well in the last 50-over World Cup? Who is that one player who gave us hope? Zaman started the 2023 World Cup in India poorly however, in the second half turned his form around which coincided with Pakistan’s success”, Khan said.

The 46-year-old emphasized Zaman's sacrifice for the team, noting his willingness to adjust his batting position for the team's benefit.

“Who is that one player in the side who is leaving his opening slot and batting down at four or five or six? Who is sacrificing his place? Fakhar Zaman! Why won’t you make him the captain?” he said.

It is worth noting that Babar was reinstated as Pakistan's white-ball captain after being removed from the role across all formats following the conclusion of the 2023 World Cup. 

The Men in Green experienced a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign as they were eliminated from the tournament without reaching the super eight round. Led by Babar Azam, the team was placed in Group A alongside India, USA, Canada, and Ireland.

They suffered consecutive defeats at the hands of the co-hosts USA and their arch-rivals India. However, they managed to win their last two group matches against Canada and Ireland, concluding their tournament with two wins and two losses, earning a total of four points.