'There needs to be an honest conversation between Babar Azam and the PCB' - Javed Miandad urges Pakistan to assess captaincy options

The Pakistani all-format skipper Babar Azam has rediscovered his batting form to some extent after a forgetful Asia Cup campaign last month. The classy top-order batter has registered a century and a half-century in the ongoing seven-match T20I series against England. But former Pakistani skipper Javed Miandad has urged the PCB to take an honest look at the 27-year's workload in regards to his captaincy.

Javed Miandad is concerned about Babar Azam's workload and feels that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should have an 'honest' talk with their batting ace regarding his leadership role. He feels that the board should sit with the influential cricketer and assess if the captaincy is having an impact on his batting form.

“Babar is a world-class batsman. But the board should ask him if the captaincy is taking a toll on him. There needs to be an honest conversation between him and the board. If he feels he can’t both perform with the bat and lead in the field, then the captaincy shouldn’t stay with him. However, the board should clarify to Babar that he is their preferred choice for captain,” Miandad was quoted as saying.

'Pakistani players are good and that is why they’re in the final eleven' : Javed Miandad

The often outspoken former cricketer also touched upon the performance of the current crop of players and felt that they need to think about playing for the team instead of personal accolades. He stated the need for the selected players to back themselves and deliver for the Men in Green. He said that the players are good enough to play for the team, and that's why they are in the starting XI.

“The players need to think about playing for Pakistan first. Once you want to deliver for Pakistan, you will automatically put in an extra effort whether you’re bowling, batting or fielding. Pakistani players need to realise that they are good and that is why they’re in the final eleven. The question of whether you’re good enough shouldn’t be there. You are good, now you just have to deliver what you’ve been asked to do on the day,” Miandad added.