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In a significant development in Pakistani cricket, Mohammad Rizwan has been appointed as the new captain of the national team for white-ball formats, replacing the outgoing Babar Azam. The announcement was made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday, marking a shift in leadership for the team. Rizwan, a seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman, has earned his stripes with a consistent performance in the international arena. Since his ODI debut against Bangladesh in 2015, he has accumulated over 5000 runs in white-ball cricket, boasting an impressive average of over 40 in both ODI and T20I formats. His appointment signifies a strategic move by the PCB to leverage his experience and leadership qualities to guide the team in the years to come.
Babar Azam, known for his exceptional batting prowess, has stepped down from the captaincy role to concentrate solely on his performance as a batsman. He cited the heavy workload associated with leadership as the primary reason for his decision. In a heartfelt message on social media, Babar expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team and acknowledged the significant commitment required to be captain. He emphasized his desire to prioritize his personal performance and family time, aiming to contribute to the team's success with a renewed focus on his batting.
The appointment of Salman Ali Agha as vice-captain adds another layer of leadership to the team. Agha, a promising young all-rounder, brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of potential to the side. His selection as vice-captain suggests a focus on nurturing young talent and building a strong leadership structure for the future. The PCB's decision to hand over the captaincy to Rizwan and appoint Agha as vice-captain signals a clear intent to groom a new generation of leaders while ensuring a smooth transition in the team's dynamics.
Source: Rizwan replaces Babar Azam as new white-ball captain of Pakistan; Salman Ali Agha named vice captain