by: Atika Mehboob TN Sport Pakistan:
Former Pakistan cricketer Muhammad Asif has recommended that captain Babar Azam step down from the leadership role across all formats, proposing Abdullah Shafique as the ideal choice for captaincy.
In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Asif conveyed his belief that Abdullah, an opening batsman, has displayed significant promise. Asif believes that with further dedication to refining his shot selection, Abdullah could prove highly successful as a long-term captain in Pakistan cricket.
Furthermore, Asif dismissed the notion of appointing Sarfaraz Ahmed as the captain for the upcoming Test series against Australia. He argued against reverting to previous leadership options, emphasizing the importance of planning for the next decade. According to Asif, Abdullah stands out as the only young player with the potential to evolve into a successful captain in the future.
It’s noteworthy that there are reports suggesting Babar Azam is contemplating stepping down from the captaincy role in white-ball cricket. Seeking advice on his future, Babar has engaged in discussions with former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja and close associates.