Coaches Urge Stability as Captains' Future Debated in Pakistan Cricket

Pakistan's cricket coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie recommended not rushing captaincy changes amid recent poor performances. Following Babar Azam's sacking as white ball captain and his replacement Shaheen Shah Afridi's quick removal, they emphasized the need for stability and patience in captaincy to achieve long-term success.

Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, Pakistan's cricket head coaches for white and red ball formats, have advised the national cricket board against making hasty captaincy changes after dismal performances in recent matches.

Babar Azam was dismissed from his white ball captaincy role following a subpar showing at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, succeeded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was also removed after a single poor series. In Tests, calls for Shan Masood's removal emerged after a 0-2 defeat to Bangladesh.

A PCB source informed PTI that the recent media outcry over changes in leadership is baseless, emphasizing that no discussions on captaincy changes have occurred. Kirsten and Gillespie advocate for giving both Shan and Babar a proper tenure to showcase their leadership abilities.

The coaches have stressed continuity in captaincy to the board, noting that these discussions will not be covered in the upcoming 'Cricket Connection' workshop. This event aims to align domestic cricket with international standards through input from all stakeholders.

Gillespie, joining via video link, and Kirsten, attending in person, informed PCB that long-term results require patience and stable policies. For the upcoming ODI series in Australia and South Africa and possibly the Champions Trophy, continuity may see Babar reinstated as the captain.

(With inputs from agencies.)