Babar Azam’s future as captain in hands of former cricketers: PCB Chairman Naqvi

• Mohsin Naqvi says no decision has been taken regarding Babar Azam.
• He talks to former cricketers who are looking for improvement.
• Members of the selection committee to be held accountable as well.

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Thursday that Babar Azam’s future as captain will be decided by former cricketers, without specifying who those people would be.

“However, no decision has been taken so far related to Babar Azam,” the top cricket official, who also serves as the country’s home minister, told reporters in Lahore.

The Green Jerseys have come under heavy criticism after their exit from the T20 World Cup even before the national team entered the Super Eight stage, which was humiliating for a team of Pakistan’s stature.

Not only had they lost to the United States minors, who were playing on the international stage for the first time, but they had also lost a close match to India, while their wins against Ireland and Canada — weak teams — also came after hard encounters.

The PCB chief told reporters that no decision should be taken when a person is angry as hasty steps are mostly counterproductive.

“I am only speaking to those former cricketers who are interested in the betterment of Pakistan cricket,” he added.

Last month, the top official had said a “major surgery” was needed due to the national team’s dismal performance.

“People ask about surgery, but you shouldn’t make any decisions while angry. Hasty decisions can prove harmful most of the time.”

Naqvi also didn’t seem too impressed with the selection committee’s decision-making.

“Whoever made wrong decisions in the selection committee will also be held accountable,” he said.

The PCB chief also said that he called coach Gary Kirsten and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood for a discussion on the performance of the Pakistan team.

“Kisten also submitted a detailed report on the performance of the Pakistan team in the T20 World Cup,” Naqvi added.

Naqvi admitted that he is also looking at “grouping and politics” in the Pakistan team.

He also reiterated that players’ inclusion in the national team will be directly linked to performance in domestic cricket.