Raja hails PCB’s decision to appoint Babar as T20I captain

• Former captain thinks middle order batsman could become Test captain as well in near future.
• The commentator terms Sarfaraz’s sacking was not surprising.
• Raja also question Azhar Ali’s appointment as Test captain.

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has hailed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s decision to appoint Babar Azam as captain of Twenty20 Internationals (T20I) and termed it a ‘good and brave move’.

The cricket turned commentator went on to say that Babar’s performance in T20Is could lead him to earn Test captaincy.

“It was a good a brave decision by PCB,” said Raja is video on Youtube. “In T20Is you need a young leadership, as it is the requirement of the shortest format of the game,” the 57-year-old said.

“If Babar does well in T20 cricket, he might well go on to become captain of Test side as well,” he added.

Commenting of Sarfaraz Ahmed’s sacking, he said removal was not surprising.

“It had to happen,” said former captain. “The pressure was building on Sarfaraz and we were losing Test at home [UAE].”

“We failed to qualify for the semis of World Cup 2019 and lost to a second string Sri Lanka despite being the world number one T20 side,” he added.

Meanwhile, the commentator also questioned Azhar Ali’s appointment as captain of Test side.

“Azhar is a stopgap captain, as he will always be under pressure considering his recent form with the bat,” he said. “He struggled in South Africa against short ball. Similarly he would receive the same treatment in Australia. He will have his work cut out during the upcoming Test series.”