Did Babar express a desire to spearhead the reconstruction of Pakistan? Does the PCB's interim committee possess the authority to make significant choices? How does this impact the coaching staff?
Even within the framework of the frequent turmoil that characterizes Pakistan cricket, yesterday marked a notable peak. A protracted meeting at PCB headquarters in the Gaddafi Stadium was succeeded by a rapid reorganization, initiated by Babar Azam's hesitant step down from the captaincy in all formats. Let's delve into the events and dissect their implications for Pakistan cricket.
To begin with, the question arises: Why did Babar Azam decide to resign?
Typically, some level of transformation tends to accompany disappointing ODI World Cup performances. After Pakistan fell short of the semi-finals in 2019, both head coach Mickey Arthur and batting coach Grant Flower were swiftly dismissed. Within a year, Sarfaraz Ahmed bid farewell to his role as ODI captain.
The pressure on Babar's captaincy had been escalating, fueled by ongoing concerns about his decision-making, particularly in critical in-game situations. When Babar assumed the role of Pakistan captain, it wasn't due to his technical prowess, a perceived weak point in his game. Instead, he was chosen for being the best batter in the squad and the sole assured all-format starter at that time.
His leadership coincided with a challenging phase for the Test side, marked by home defeats against Australia and England, the latter being Pakistan's inaugural home whitewash. Despite a series draw against New Zealand at home and a notable 2-0 away triumph in Sri Lanka, these victories represented Pakistan's first Test wins in a year. Except for his initial series as captain in January 2021, Babar never steered the team to a Test match victory at home.
The 2023 Asia Cup was perceived as a letdown, culminating in Pakistan finishing fourth. At the 2023 World Cup, they stumbled with five losses in nine games, including a defeat against Afghanistan, leading to their premature exit in the first round.
As for the notion of a reluctant resignation, there is scant evidence suggesting that Babar genuinely wanted to step down. After Pakistan's final World Cup match, he expressed to Michael Atherton during the post-match presentation his desire to lead the team's reconstruction, a sentiment reiterated at the subsequent press conference. According to the PCB, they informed him of their decision to strip him of the white-ball captaincy, offering to let him retain the Test captaincy. Subsequently, it seems Babar acknowledged the inevitable and chose to resign from captaincy across all formats.
Hold on, this is an interim management committee. Does it possess the authority to dismiss a captain?
Highly unlikely. The PCB chairman holds the power to appoint and remove captains, and while Zaka Ashraf is currently fulfilling that role, he leads the PCB management committee temporarily, a position extended for three months by the Pakistan caretaker prime minister. A court in Pakistan has ruled that the committee lacks the authority to make significant changes during its tenure, functioning solely as a caretaker.
To remove Babar as captain, it required Babar to submit his resignation voluntarily. Theoretically, had he declined, he would have retained the captaincy in all formats, and the PCB would lack a mechanism for his removal.
There was still one avenue available: simply not selecting him. However, for obvious cricketing reasons, this approach always seemed impractical.
Who steps into his shoes? Is it one person for all formats?
Certainly not. The PCB appeared remarkably prepared for his resignation, some might say suspiciously so. Within an hour, it designated Shan Masood, who was hastily called to PCB headquarters in Lahore despite the committee ostensibly giving Babar the option to continue as Test captain, as the new Test captain. Shaheen Afridi assumes the T20I captaincy. In a telling illustration of the PCB administration's modus operandi, it prematurely announced Shaheen as the ODI captain on social media, swiftly deleting the graphic. The board later stated that the ODI captain would be revealed "in due course."
You mentioned Mickey Arthur's departure after the 2019 World Cup. What's his current status with Pakistan cricket?
Well, it's a bit of both. The PCB disclosed that team director Mickey Arthur, along with head coach Grant Bradburn, has undergone a "reassignment" of roles. While there is no information about their new responsibilities, ESPNcricinfo understands that this implies neither will be part of the upcoming three-match Test series in Australia next month.
So, if the coaches won't accompany the team, why not dismiss them?
At this juncture, the board likely faces constraints in doing so, and it probably exceeds the authority of the current PCB management committee. Without resignations from Arthur or Bradburn, akin to Babar's, the PCB is obliged to retain them. Resignations from either are not anticipated in the near future.
Who will step in as coaches for the Australia tour, then?
Following a meeting with Mohammad Hafeez on Tuesday, Zaka Ashraf extended an offer to him, and it appears to have been accepted. Hafeez will assume Arthur's role as team director, accompanying the team to Australia and New Zealand. The PCB has yet to announce a head coach for the tour, and the position of chief selector remains vacant. Younis Khan and Wahab Riaz are reportedly the leading contenders for these roles.
This all seems quite disorderly. When can we expect a PCB administration capable of making substantial decisions?
Anticipated sooner when Ashraf assumed the role, but with Pakistan's caretaker government exceeding its constitutionally designated three months, the caretaker prime minister granted Ashraf and the management committee an additional three months. This extension should last until February, coinciding with Pakistan's scheduled general elections. The incoming prime minister will then possess the authority to nominate a PCB chairman, and subsequent PCB elections will empower a full administration with traditional decision-making powers.
How does this impact Babar, Arthur, Bradburn, Masood, and Shaheen?
In the last 24 hours, it's crucial to acknowledge that any developments are subject to reversal. If Najam Sethi reassumes the chairman position in February, a plausible scenario, it could bode well for Arthur and Bradburn. Sethi had explicitly expressed a preference for Pakistan to enlist foreign coaches, actively pursuing Arthur for months before finalizing the deal. With his reinstatement, he would wield the authority to appoint or remove any captain or coach.
So, are these changes only applicable for the Australia tour?
Indeed, that's correct. The alterations will extend to the subsequent five T20Is in New Zealand. Beyond that, as is the norm in Pakistan cricket, uncertainties abound.
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