Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has called for stability in Pakistan’s cricket leadership, urging the country’s cricket management to avoid frequent captaincy changes and focus on improving players’ core skills.
Speaking to a private news channel, Akmal questioned the tendency to discuss changing captains whenever “new heavyweights take charge of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).” He expressed frustration over the ongoing debate, asking, “Is it because they prefer a different captain and are looking for someone of their choice? Do they think a new captain will magically bring in players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, or Mitchell Starc to enhance team performance?”
Akmal’s comments follow a series of disappointing performances from Pakistan, including a recent Test series whitewash at home against Bangladesh. The former cricketer argued that replacing the captain while retaining the same players and system would be ineffective.
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“Everyone, including the captain, coach, and selectors, needs to realign their approach and rethink their strategies,” Akmal advised, emphasising that improving the team’s performance requires a shift in mindset rather than simply changing leadership.
He questioned why there is now talk of appointing a new captain when no such changes were made after losses in the Asia Cup, ODI World Cup, and T20 World Cup.
Kamran Akmal voiced support for Babar Azam to remain captain, suggesting the 29-year-old should be given the opportunity to lead the team until the Champions Trophy. “What difference would it make otherwise?” he remarked.
The former wicketkeeper also stressed the importance of returning to the fundamentals of domestic and club cricket from 20-30 years ago. He warned that without mastering the basics, errors would persist, and changing captains would not solve the underlying problems in Pakistan cricket.
