Ramiz Raja credits Babar Azam’s authoritative captaincy for Pakistan’s stellar run in 2021
Babar Azam (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has lauded the team for its terrific performance in 2021. During the 67th meeting of the Board of Governors (BoG) of the PCB, Pakistan’s performance was discussed. The side has hardly put a foot wrong in 2021. They have dominated teams with relative ease in the T20Is.
Under Babar Azam, the team has played as a unit and managed to win a staggering 20 T20Is. Their only series loss came against England in July. Barring that, Pakistan have displayed a great amount of consistency and skill. They also managed to reach the semis of the 20-20 World Cup.
During the meeting, Raja credited Azam’s leadership and authority for the turnaround. The 27-year-old has been spot on with his decisions.
He has also managed to instill a great amount of self-belief in the team. Raja also went to appreciate the coaching staff of Saqlain Mushtaq (interim head coach), Matthew Hayden (batting consultant), and Vernon Philander (bowling consultant). The PCB chairman felt they were instrumental in creating a positive and relaxed environment.
Hayden and Philander gelled nicely with players and managed to give them useful tips in enhancing their game. The board members were also effusive in praise of Pakistan’s performance in the last quarter of 2021. The Babar Azam-led team went to draw Test series in West Indies, managed to beat India for the first time in 20-20 World Cups, and also whitewashed Bangladesh 5-0. The board members lauded the team’s positive attitude, grit, and determination.
A detailed discussion was also carried out on players’ workload in view of the demanding season ahead. The BoG has requested PCB to explore options to keep players fit and fresh for long periods.
