Pakistan legend Younis Khan named surprise choice to replace Babar Azam as T20I captain

To follow Pakistan‘s out in the morning since T20 World Cup 2024who was batting for Pakistan Younis Khan made a surprising suggestion about the future captain of the team. The way Pakistan played in this tournament was disappointing, losing to the USA and India in the group stage, followed by Canada and Ireland. However, these chariots came too late, and Pakistan failed to advance to the Super Eight stage, raising questions about leadership.

Babar Azam’s leadership is under scrutiny

Babar Azam, who previously led Pakistan to the semi-finals and finals of the T20 World Cup in 2021 and 2022, has faced criticism for a lack of team cohesion and design skills during the current schedule. His leadership is under scrutiny, as cricket organizations are calling for him to be removed as captain. This is not the first time that Babar has faced such pressure; he stepped down from the captaincy by all means after Pakistan’s failure in the tournament ODI World Cup 2023to return to the role earlier this year.

Contenders for Pakistan captaincy in T20I

Several names have been floated as possible replacements for Babar. Shaheen Afridi, who briefly held the T20I captaincy last year, is the favourite. However, he was removed after a 4-1 loss in the series New Zealand. Mohammad Rizwan is another strong contender, having led the Multan Sultans in one Pakistan Super League (PSL) title and three finals.

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A surprising choice by Younis Khan

In a surprising twist, Younis KhanPakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup-winning captain, suggested Fakhar Zaman as a suitable replacement for Babar. Speaking on the Games program on PTV Sports, Younis praised Fakhar for his dedication and adaptability, particularly highlighting his role in turning Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 campaign around. Younis noted Fakhar’s willingness to sacrifice his preferred opening position to bat at number four for the benefit of the team.

“Why can’t Fakhar Zaman be the captain of this team and not a player? He didn’t do well in the last World Cup with 50 overs? Who is that one player who gave us hope? Zaman had a bad start to the 2023 World Cup in India, however, in the second half he changed his form which coincided with Pakistan’s success. His early burst at the top kept Pakistan in contention, however, it was too little for them to advance in the tournament,” Younis said.

“Who is that winger who leaves his opening position and hits four or five or six? Who gives up his place? Fakhar Zaman! Why don’t you make him captain?” Younis concluded.

To replace

Although he has never captained Pakistan in seven years of international duty, Fakhar’s leadership qualities and team-first attitude have impressed Younis. However, Fakhar endured a poor campaign in the 2024 edition, scoring just 33 runs at an average of 8.25 and a strike rate of 110 in four matches.

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