Kamran Akmal Advises PCB Against Captaincy Shuffle Amid Speculations

Former wicketkeeper batter Kamran Akmal urges the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to avoid captaincy changes amid reports suggesting Mohammad Rizwan might replace Babar Azam. With Pakistan hosting the ICC Champions Trophy next year, Akmal emphasizes getting the basics right to improve team performance.

Former wicketkeeper batter Kamran Akmal has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to avoid making any captaincy changes in the national cricket team. Akmal's advice comes amid reports suggesting that Babar Azam may lose his captaincy in white-ball formats to wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan.

With Pakistan set to host the ICC Champions Trophy next year, Akmal questioned the rationale behind changing the captain now. He argued that any such change should have taken place following Pakistan's disappointing campaigns in last year's ODI World Cup and this year's T20 World Cup tournament. "Why consider this now if no changes were made after losing the Asia Cup, ODI World Cup, and T20 World Cup?" Akmal told Geo News.

Akmal also scrutinized whether a new captain could really boost Pakistan's performance. "Is this because the current captain isn't favored by some, and they prefer someone else? Do you believe a new captain can transform the team overnight?" he queried. Calling for a broader strategy involving the captain, coach, and selectors, Akmal emphasized the importance of getting the basics right to avoid further blunders.

(With inputs from agencies.)