ISLAMABAD: PCB has decided to make batsman Babar Azam captain of all three cricket formats.

Chairman PCB Ehsan Mani commenting on the development stated: “As we are looking into the future, it is appropriate that we appoint him the captain now so that he continues to grow stronger with every match.”

Babar Azam has filled in the boots left empty by Azhar Ali. It may be recalled that thirteen months ago Test skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed was shown the door. He was replaced by Azhar Ali who had led Pakistan in eight Tests, won two home Test matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh but lost in Australia 2-0 and in England 1-0.

Outgoing captain Azhar Ali took to the Twitter to felicitate the Babar Azam: “Congratulations babar azam for being appointed as test captain all the best brother I assure my full support to you.. May Allah help you achieve many glorious victories for Pakistan Ameen….”

The 26-year-old new skipper Babar Azam reciprocated: “I want to thank Azhar Ali for the way he captained the team in the last season, which was a difficult one, but I know that he will leave no stone unturned in giving his very best to the team.”

Azam went on to state: “I feel truly honoured to have been appointed Test captain and join some of the most iconic players who have captained Pakistan in the purest format of the game,” said Azam, who took charge of Pakistan’s limited-overs teams earlier this year.

“I am ready and prepared to take up the additional responsibility and the fact which gives me additional confidence is that I can do the job is the experience that is available to me in the changing room in the shape of the players and support staff.”

Babar’s  mettle will be tested in the forthcoming ICC World Test Championship matches against New Zealand, which will be played in Mount Maunganui from 26th of Dec. till 30th of Dec and and Christchurch  from 3rd till 7th Jan, 2021.

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