'When the time arrives, we...' - PCB chief Najam Sethi on Babar Azam's future as captain of Pakistan team

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) got a new life under the new chief Najam Sethi and the board is leaving no stone unturned to right the wrongs that Ramiz Raja did, during his tenure as the chief of the board. Much to the stupefaction of the Indian fans, Sethi clarified about the Asia Cup 2023 and said that the board will play with everyone, without any isolation. 

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As things stand, Sethi addressed the media and opened up on Babar Azam’s captaincy, amid criticism after losing the Test series against England, which saw the Pakistani team taste their first-ever whitewash in 75 years of history. Sethi said that he would consider the opinion of the people and the government and then come to a conclusion, rather than taking decisions all by himself. 

I will listen to advice and recommendations : Najam Sethi

Saying that the board would address every single concern with keen attention, Sethi clarified that Babar would not be sacked all on his own and said that the opinion of the people will play a major role in the board’s decision. It remains to be seen if the board would take aggressive actions in the squad, but one has to agree that they have been on a correcting spree and setting things right. 

“I will listen to advice and recommendations from the people I appoint as I don't make cricketing decisions by myself. We will obey whatever the government would suggest to us and we will seek the government's advice when the time arrives, similar to the last time I was the chairman,” Sethi was quoted as saying. 

“As far as the Asia Cup is concerned, I will go to ACC (Asian Cricket Council) and see what the situation is and we'll take a decision that is in the better interest of the game. We have to see what the other board's position is, we have to play cricket with everyone, and we will not take any step which can cause any isolation,” he added.