ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s new T20 Skipper Babar Azam request reportedlyrejected by PCB. Babar Azam wanted to have senior players such as MuhammadHafeez and Shoaib Malik in the side for the Australia tour but the PCBofficials shot down the suggestion.
Before the team’s departure, it has emerged that head coach and chiefselector Misbah-ul-Haq had discussed the selection of players with Babarand both agreed on the selection of Hafeez and Malik.
But apparently some top officials in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)advised them not to pick them, throwing open a debate on how much authoritywas enjoyed by the head coach and the captain.
Asked if he was consulted for team selection, Babar said, “I had given myinput for selection of the squad. I felt I required some seniors but it isdecision of selectors.”
Babar recently said he wants to emulate captains like England’s Joe Rootand India’s Virat Kohli but surprisingly the full video of his pressconference on October 25 does not include those comments.
The video is available on the PCB’s official website.
Babar said though captaincy adds to pressure but with the support of histeammates, he was confident of handling it.
“I have belief in myself and my batting. Captaincy is a new responsibilityand I will try to take everyone along and form a combination. It is clearthat If players support you the team does well. So I want everyone toperform. I I will try to keep the environment of the dressing room healthyand positive. We must enjoy playing for Pakistan and not take pressure,” hesaid.