LAHORE: Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has revealed his choice of captains for the national side in all formats of the game after the team failed to deliver during the ICC World Cup 2023 under the leadership of Babar Azam.
While speaking on Haarna Mana Hay, Amir said that all-rounder Imad Wasim is a suitable candidate for the T20 format.
“For the T20I format, with the T20 World Cup on the horizon and a series of T20 matches and a Test series against Australia lined up before the mega-event, I pick Imad Wasim,” Amir said.
Meanwhile, in ODI cricket, Amir named left-handed opener Shan Masood as the captain.
“In ODI, if you want to change regime than Shan Masood can be a very good option,” he said.
Amir also backed experienced wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed to lead the side in the longest format of the game.
“If you want to prepare any youngster for Test captaincy, Sarfaraz still has 2 years left in cricket, so appoint him as the captain along with a youngster as vice-captain,” he concluded.
The 1992 champions failed to make the semi-finals of the show-piece event in India, finishing their campaign with their fifth defeat in nine matches against holders England on Saturday.
Azam is considering relinquishing the captaincy, specifically stepping down from leadership in white-ball cricket.
As per sources, the 29-year-old has been seeking guidance on his future, consulting with former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja and people close to him.
During the training at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Friday, Azam sought advice from Ramiz Raja.
The decision on whether to continue as captain will be influenced by consultations upon his return to the country. In the current circumstances, Azam values the advice he receives, particularly from his father.
Expressing disappointment with the conduct of the PCB and former cricketers, Azam has received counsel from those close to him advising him to step down from leadership in all three formats.
Sources further added that the suggestion is based on the belief that prominent captains have faced challenges in Test series in Australia. Consequently, individuals in Azam’s inner circle have recommended he step down from captaincy roles in both red and white-ball cricket.
