Babar’s captaincy in the longest format has been under the scanner for a while.
This series will also mark the beginning of Pakistan's campaign in the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.
Notably, Pakistan endured a dismal campaign in the WTC 2021-23 cycle, failing to register a single home win. In fact, the Babar Azam-led side won only one Test out of nine in the past year, while conceding series to Australia and England at home.
As a result, Babar’s captaincy in the longest format also came under scrutiny. Ahead of the side's departure to Sri Lanka, Babar addressed a press conference where he was asked about his captaincy future in Tests.
“In last one year, we won only one match in nine Tests, which was against Sri Lanka. Pakistan isn't able to win. I hope we win in Sri Lanka, but if we lose, will you think about handing captaincy to someone else? Isn't it possible that your captaincy is at fault if we aren't able to win?” a reporter asked Babar.
In reply, the Pakistan skipper said: “If you talk about the past, we didn't play good cricket, that's why we didn't win. We were inexperienced because of multiple injuries. Until you get 20 wickets, you won't win. And we drew the series there, didn't lose. This time, we will try to win.”
“As far as captaincy is concerned, I always give my best. It's better if you ask this question to the PCB, because they have to take this decision,” he added.
Babar Azam is the all-format captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team. Later this year, he will lead the national side in the ODI World Cup, slated to be held in India from October 5 to November 19.