More Trouble for Babar Azam: Pakistan's White-Ball Skipper Likely to Lose Captaincy

Babar Azam , once regarded as the cornerstone of Pakistan ’s batting lineup, is facing mounting pressure amid a dip in form and growing speculation over his future as Pakistan’s white-ball captain. The 29-year-old cricketer has struggled with his recent performances in Test cricket, raising concerns about his ability to lead the team effectively in limited-overs formats.

The recent Test series against Bangladesh served as a glaring indicator of Babar Azam 's faltering form. Pakistan 's ODI and T20I captain managed only 22 and a duck in the first Test, followed by 31 and 11 in the second, leading to criticism from pundits and fans alike. 

Once a fixture in the top 10 of the ICC Test rankings, Babar Azam ’s continued struggles have seen him slip down to 12th position, a steep fall for someone who was once touted as a consistent performer across all formats.

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PCB Contemplating Leadership Change?

According to sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the governing body is reportedly considering a change in the white-ball captaincy. The PCB’s decision not to name Babar Azam as a captain in the upcoming Champions One-Day Cup has fueled speculation that a shift in leadership could be imminent.

The absence of Babar Azam ’s name from the list of captains for such a key tournament is being interpreted as a signal that the board may be exploring alternatives for the captaincy of Pakistan ’s ODI and T20I teams. As per reports in Pakistan media, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has emerged as a strong contender to take over the leadership role in the white-ball formats. 

Gary Kirsten, Pakistan ’s white-ball head coach, has been reportedly involved in discussions about the possible leadership transition. Kirsten, who visited Pakistan in July, is said to have met with key PCB officials to evaluate the team's overall structure and performance. During these discussions, the topic of Babar Azam ’s captaincy was reportedly a central focus.

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The Road Ahead for Babar

For now, Babar Azam remains Pakistan ’s white-ball captain, but the signs are becoming increasingly ominous. With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, Pakistan will need a leader who can inspire the team and deliver consistently on the international stage.