'The Issue Of Captaincy Is...': Babar Azam Ready to Return As Pakistan Captain If PCB Feels It’s Necessary

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam admitted that he has not ruled out the possibility of accepting the national team's captaincy in future, as the team’s interests have always driven him. Notably, Babar last captained Pakistan in 2024 during the T20 World Cup hosted by the West Indies and the USA.

Is Babar Azam ready to lead Pakistan again?

He was reportedly sacked from the leadership role after Men in Green's dismal performance in the showpiece event, where Pakistan got out of the tournament in the group stage, including a humiliating defeat against the Associate nation USA.

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“The issue of captaincy is another thing right now, I am just focusing on the Pakistan Super League final. But if in future such a situation arises, I will always do what is in the best interests of Pakistan cricket,” Babar said in a media conference.

Babar has been in excellent form in PSL 11, leading Peshawar Zalmi into the final and scoring heavily along the way, including two centuries.

Pakistan's performance under Babar Azam's captaincy

Babar Azam is Pakistan's second-most successful captain with 84 total wins. He led the team to the 2022 T20 World Cup final and the 2021 T20 World Cup semifinals. He captained Pakistan in 43 ODIs, where the side won 26, lost 15, 1 match was ended in a tie, and one match ended without a result. 

Babar Azam for criticism

He has had several stints as Pakistan captain. He led the team in all formats from 2020 to 2023 before stepping down after the ODI World Cup. He is the only captain who managed to register a win against India in the history of the T20 World Cup in 2021. Babar faced a lot of criticism before being sacked after Pakistan's poor outing in the USA and the West Indies. Reacting to that, Babar also said that he tries not to let criticism affect him and focuses on enjoying his cricket.

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“Whether I do well or don't do well the criticism is there so nothing I can do about it. But I get a lot of confidence from my fans and supporters and I am really excited about doing well in the final on Sunday,” he added.

Babar Azam for PSL Final

Babar also praised the PSL for producing new talent and said young players should be guided properly to help them grow. Speaking about the PSL final against Marnus Labuschagne-led Hyderabad Kingsmen, Babar said every team comes in with its own plan.

“Every team has its own strategy and plans, and they have done well to reach the final. But we have been playing consistently well, and hopefully we can do all the things right that we have done so far.”

Babar Azam will now be seen in action in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 Final, where he will lead Peshawar Zalmi against Hyderabad Kingsmen on May 3 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.