Former New Zealand bowler Shane Bond has selected Scott Edwards of the Netherlands as the “ODI World Cup captain,” choosing him above Babar Azam of Pakistan.
The squad has lost three straight games in the competition, putting the captaincy of Pakistan in doubt.
Pakistan made the most of their opening two matches, triumphing over Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, respectively. Pakistan’s winning streak was, however, broken by the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team, and they then lost to Australia, Afghanistan, and India.
Pakistan’s chances of making it to the semifinals would be all but destroyed if they lose their match against South Africa on October 27 at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. In a ‘you can only pick one’ discussion with ESPNcricinfo, Shane Bond chose Edwards over Babar.
Well played on the last one, Shane Bond 😅 pic.twitter.com/FZWhgPw3p1
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 26, 2023
PCB suggests Babar Azam can lose his job
In light of the team’s recent poor results, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has clarified Babar Azam’s captaincy position. According to the board, Babar and Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq are permitted to assemble the team for the current competition. In addition, the Board asked everyone to help the squad succeed in its comeback in the main event.
“The board has taken the view that victories and losses are just a part of the game, mirroring the criticism of past cricket players, in response to the media attention focused on skipper Babar Azam and the team management. Inzamam-ul-Haq, the chief selector, and captain Babar Azam were given latitude and assistance in assembling the team for the 2023 ICC World Cup.
“In the future, the board will decide what’s best for Pakistani cricket, taking into account the team’s World Cup results. As they work to pull off a spectacular comeback in the mega-event, the PCB is currently urging supporters, former players, and stakeholders to unite behind the team, according to a statement from the PCB.