The axe might soon fall on ODI captain Azhar Ali as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering removing him after a dismal performance against England in the ongoing five-match ODI series.
England beat Pakistan by 44 runs in the first ODI, while in the second ODI the visitors were defeated by four wickets. Most recently Pakistan suffered an embarrassing 169-run defeat in the third ODI, losing the five-match series 3-0.
A PCB official told on Wednesday that after the team’s poor show, there have been talks in the board for the dismissal of Azhar as captain.
“After this series, Pakistan will play a series against the West Indies, New Zealand and Australia,” he said. “There are chances that a new captain may be given the responsibility in these upcoming series.”
The official said that vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz Ahmed is the most likely and suitable replacement.
“If Azhar is removed, then definitely Sarfraz will be given the responsibility” he said.
Azhar as ODI captain was a mistake
Former Pakistan captain and legendary batsman Javed Miandad believes that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should admit its mistake of appointing right-hand batsman Azhar Ali as the captain of the flailing ODI side. “It is time for the PCB to admit they made a mistake in appointing Azhar as the ODI captain and appoint someone else for the series against the West Indies next month,” said Miandad. “It made no sense to appoint Azhar last year when he was not in the ODI team since 2013,” he added.
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram believes that wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed is the obvious choice to replace Azhar as the ODI captain.
Wasim said it is the right time to hand over the captaincy to the 29-year-old. “I think it is the right time to give responsibility to Sarfaraz and make him ODI captain. He is a performer under pressure and he can bring about a change.”
Ramiz concerned about Azhar’s Test performance
Another former captain and famous commentator Ramiz Raja said that he is concerned about Azhar Ali, who he believes can suffer at the Test level after coming under enormous pressure following three back to back defeats against England in the ongoing series. “I am just concerned that eventually all this pressure and criticism might affect his Test cricket performances.”
Tough test for Arthur to turn team’s fortune around: Mohsin Khan
Pakistan former Test opener and head coach Mohsin Khan said that he believes it’s a big test for new coach Mickey Arthur to turn the team’s fortune in the limited overs cricket. “Where are we going in this format?” asked Mohsin. “I believe it is going to be a big challenge now for coach Mickey Arthur to replicate his success of the Test matches into limited over cricket.”
