Pakistani batsman Babar Azam has been appointed the national team’s Test captain, confirmed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), adding that Azhar Ali has stepped down from the role.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Babar Azam has been appointed as the new Pakistan cricket team’s Test captain and said Azhar Ali has stepped down from the post.
In a press release, PCB said,
His (Babar Azam’s) first assignment will be to captain Pakistan in the ICC World Test Championship fixtures against New Zealand, which will be played in Mount Maunganui and Christchurch from 26-30 December and 3-7 January, respectively.”
According to the details, Ehsan Mani, PCB Chairman confirmed the appointment of Babar Azam after a meeting with former captain Azhar Ali.
“I want to thank Azhar Ali for stepping up last year by captaining the side in what was a historic first home Test series in over a decade,” said Mani. “I believe Azhar still has a lot of cricket left in him and Pakistan cricket can continue to make the best use of his experience and knowledge as specialist top-order batsman moving forward.”
“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,” he said, wishing the new captain best of luck for the team’s future.
On the other hand, Babar Azam expressed his happiness for being appointed as the new Test captain.
“I can now say with conviction that dreams can come true only if you chase them with honesty, dedication, and commitment.”
“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,” he said.
