Babar Azam replaces Azhar Ali as Pakistan’s Test captain

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named Babar Azam as new Test captain of the national side. PCB made a formal announcement on 10^th November after their meeting with Azhar Ali.

Babar Azam will replace Azhar Ali, who previously led Pakistan for the three-match Test series in England this summer. Babar Azam’s first assignment as Test captain will be two-match series in New Zealand. The two-match series will be played in Mount Maunganui and Christchurch.

PCB Chairman, Ehsan Mani said that Babar Azam richly deserves his rise to the leadership role. Last year, premier batsman was named captain of Pakistan in ODI and T20 format. With his consistent performances and leadership qualities in white-ball cricket, PCB feels that he is ready to lead the national side in the five-day format.

Ehsan Mani further stated that the side is in a transition phase and Babar Azam is the ideal man to lead the national side in all three formats. He said that PCB will give full support to Babar Azam in all matters and is optimistic that national side can climb up the rankings in all three formats.

PCB also appreciated that efforts and commitment shown by former Test captain Azhar Ali for past three years. Azhar Ali captained Pakistan for their historic first Test series at home since 2009 infamous attack on Sri Lankan cricket team. With captaincy duties gone, Azhar Ali would be looking to find form and consistency with the bat for Pakistan in red-ball cricket.

On his formal appointment as new Test skipper, Babar Azam said that he is honored to be leading the national cricket team in Test cricket. He said that he will try his best and lead the side with integrity, commitment and honesty.

He also appreciated that the support shown by Azhar Ali over the past couple of years. He further stated that he will be keen to lead from the front with the bat for Pakistan in Test cricket.