Former Pakistan captain and former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has supported Babar Azam to be the Test captain of Pakistan on a long-term basis instead of changing captains every now and then.
The support comes following the decision of Pakistan’s PCB to reinstate Babar as captain of the national red-ball team ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming Test tours of the West Indies and England.
Speaking on his official YouTube channel Ramiz said that Babar’s success as a captain will be largely dependent on his batting.
He added that ‘big scores’ are a requirement for the premier batsman of the team while captaining the Pakistan team, as his name is linked to both batting and captaincy.
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“Babar Azam deserves more time as captain as he is the best batsman on this side and needs to knock in big runs on a regular basis. His good name is also on the line,” Ramiz added.
Former PCB chairman has also called for stability in the Test setup as changing leadership only leads to uncertainty.
Babar had been leading Pakistan in 20 Tests from 2020 till 2023 and then retired from the role.
Babar’s second term as Test captain will be a tough one to begin with an overseas schedule.
Pakistan will head to the West Indies on July 13 for a four-day warm up against West Indies A on July 18 and then face home side in a two Test match in Trinidad and Tobago.
Following the Caribbean tour, Pakistan will set off for England for a tough three-match Test series starting in mid-August.
Babar feels that the presence of players with county experience would help the team to settle in faster given the challenging conditions.
Opinion is split over Pakistan captaincy and Babar’s leadership and batting will be closely watched as he looks to lead the team through a critical period.
Also read: Babar Azam appointed as Pakistan’s new test captain
