Fri Oct 04 04:21:32 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Cricket Board to Explore Separate Captains for Different Formats Amidst Heavy Schedule

**KARACHI, PAKISTAN** – With a packed international cricket schedule ahead, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering appointing separate captains for different formats, sources reveal. This comes after Babar Azam resigned as ODI captain citing the need to focus on his batting, leaving a void in the white-ball leadership.

While Muhammad Rizwan appears to be the frontrunner for the white-ball captaincy, concerns remain about his workload. The wicketkeeper-batter already plays all three formats and the demanding schedule, which includes 18 ODIs and T20Is between November and December, could potentially lead to burnout.

“Workload management is going to be a big issue,” a source said, adding that “Kirsten and the selectors have their reservations over whether Rizwan would be able to handle the workload.”

As a result, the PCB might opt for separate captains for ODIs and T20Is, or appoint a strong vice-captain to Rizwan who can take over the captaincy during breaks.

Among the potential candidates for the vice-captaincy or the captaincy roles are Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Coach Gary Kirsten has reportedly expressed concerns about the pressure of leading in two formats, suggesting that Babar’s recent dip in form could be attributed to the strain of captaincy.

The PCB is currently evaluating the options and is expected to announce its decision soon. This move signifies the board’s recognition of the need to manage player workload and ensure peak performance across all formats.

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