Introduction
Former Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal has voiced his discontent regarding the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) management of Babar Azam’s captaincy. This scrutiny follows a series of inconsistent captaincy changes that have left both Azam and the national team in a state of uncertainty. This article delves into Akmal's criticisms, the history of Babar's leadership, and its implications for Pakistan cricket.
Babar Azam's Captaincy Journey
Babar Azam has seen a tumultuous captaincy career since being appointed for the T20I format in October 2019. By December 2020, after showcasing remarkable batting skills and leadership qualities, PCB appointed him captain for both ODI and Test formats. His period of strong performance spanned from 2021 to 2022, where he led Pakistan to significant accomplishments.
In the 2021 T20 World Cup, under his leadership, Pakistan achieved a historic victory against India, marking their first win over their rivals in a World Cup match. However, during the 2022 T20 World Cup, although Pakistan made it to the finals, they lost to England—this would be a precursor to a series of poor performances that have shadowed his captaincy.
Impact of Inconsistent Leadership
The turning point for Azam came after the disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup, where Pakistan failed to advance to the knockout stage, leading to his resignation from captaincy across all formats in November 2023. Following a brief hiatus, he was reinstated in March 2024 as the limited-overs captain but faced further setbacks in the T20 World Cup later that year, prompting another resignation in October.
This cycle of removal and reappointment raises questions about the PCB's long-term strategy in leadership. As Umar Akmal pointed out, these actions show a lack of commitment and a clear plan for team leadership.
The Latest Developments
In July 2026, after Shan Masood struggled with the Test captaincy, PCB made another notable U-turn by reinstating Azam as the Test captain. His immediate challenge was a two-match Test series against the West Indies, which ended in a 1-1 draw—challenging him to restore confidence within the team.
As Babar gears up to lead Pakistan in a grueling three-match Test series against England starting August 19, his captaincy’s effect on team morale and performance will be critical to monitor.
Umar Akmal's Concerns
Ahead of the England Test series, Akmal heavily criticized the PCB’s inconsistency. His comments reflect a broader concern regarding the stability of leadership within the team, emphasizing the need for a long-term vision. “When you appointed Babar as captain, why did you remove him in the first place?” Akmal questioned. His appeal is clear: the PCB needs to prioritize stability and support for Azam and the team's overall development.
Conclusion
The frequency of changes in captaincy not only affects the players' performance but also impacts the trust fans place in the PCB. As Pakistan enters a new phase with Babar Azam at the helm, it remains to be seen if the PCB will allow him to embark on a consistent and productive journey as captain. Will this time be different for Babar Azam, or do the winds of change continue to blow through Pakistan cricket?