‘It's better if you ask PCB, because they have to take this decision’ - Babar Azam brushes queries on Test captaincy aside

Ever since Pakistan lost in the finals of the Asia Cup 2022 and T20 World Cup 2022, Babar Azam’s skill as captain is constantly under the scanner and question marks have been raised on his leadership abilities by many of the former cricketers like Kamran Akmal and Ramiz Raja among others.

When it came to the longest format of the game, the cricketer once again failed to make a mark as Pakistan failed to win a single match on home turf against the likes of Australia and England.

Thus, ahead of the new World Test Championship cycle, Babar is once again being reminded of his failure as skipper in Test cricket and before flying to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series, the cricketer was even asked if he would relinquish his captaincy given Pakistan fails to make a mark in the island nation. 

Answering the query, the 28-year-old stated the reasons behind Pakisntan’s failure in Test cricket in the last couple of years and added saying that only the board has the right to decide his future as the captain of the national team.

“If you talk about the past, we didn't play good cricket, that's why we didn't win. We were inexperienced because of multiple injuries. Until you get 20 wickets, you won't win. And we drew the series there, didn't lose. This time, we will try to win,” Babar was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

“As far as captaincy is concerned, I always give my best. It's better if you ask this question to the PCB, because they have to take this decision,” he added.

Notably, Pakistan will play a two-day practice match before the first Test, which is slated to begin on July 16 at the Galle International Stadium. On the other hand, the second and final Test of the series will begin on July 24 and will be played at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Interestingly, this will also mark Pakistan’s return to international cricket after a two-month break.