PCB to decide fate of Babar Azam and Mickey Arthur in key meeting

Zaka Ashraf, the head of the PCB management committee, has called for a crucial meeting with captain Babar Azam scheduled for Wednesday. 

Furthermore, Pakistan's head coach, Grant Bradburn, presently in Lahore, is also anticipated to participate in the aforementioned meeting. Meanwhile, team director Mickey Arthur, who is currently in Dubai, will join the discussion remotely via Zoom. The primary focus of the meeting will revolve around a thorough analysis of the team's performance in the World Cup.

A separate meeting with Babar is also likely to take place, where he might be presented with the option to resign from captaincy. Arthur will also have a separate meeting with Zaka Ashraf, once he comes back to Lahore from Dubai.

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.

There are indications that Babar may consider stepping down from the captaincy voluntarily. However, if this does not materialize, the board may be compelled to take decisive action. It is believed that relieving Babar of the captaincy responsibilities could potentially enhance his performance as a player, as per the authorities' perspective.

Sources further added that Team Director Mickey Arthur and other coaches may be given the option to resign. Should they decline, they might be directed to work at the National Cricket Academy or elsewhere until the completion of their contracts.