Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali could be replaced with a new skipper before the tour of New Zealand this winter after reports emerge that Babar Azam, the national white-ball leader, or young wicketkeeper batsman, Muhammad Rizwan, can take his position in the traditional format.
A report by PTI states, "Azhar, who is the most Test capped player now in the national team with 81 appearances, is said to have lost favour with an influential member of the cricket committee (of Pakistan Cricket Board) while the PCB Chairman and CEO are also said to be having second thoughts about retaining him as captain."
Azhar only took over from previously sacked Sarfaraz Ahmed last October and led Pakistan on their disappointing tours to Australia and England, either side of home series wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
And though the 35-year-old managed a match-saving hundred in the final Test in UK, he hasn't been enjoying the best of times in his career with the bat.
While Babar is national team's best batsman and skipper in the limited-overs arena, the name of Rizwan has suddenly gained prominence within Pakistan cricket. He showed very good form during the England Tests and was recently picked as the first-choice gloveman for the home white-ball series versus Zimbabwe. Rizwan also led KPK team to the title in the just-concluded National T20 Championship.
"PCB CEO Wasim Khan told a television channel that a meeting could be held on November 11 to decide on Azhar’s future and find a new chief selector as head coach, Misbah ul Haq has relinquished the post," the report states.
If the bridge is indeed crossed, this will be the second time Azhar's captaincy tenure sees a premature end. He led the one-day side for two years after the 2015 World Cup before resigning from his post and handing over the reins to Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to the 2017 Champions Trophy win.
