The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised to replace Shaheen Shah Afridi as the T20I captain, offering the leadership role once again to Babar Azam. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently met with Babar to extend the offer, signaling the end of Afridi's brief stint as captain.

However, Babar's acceptance of the offer remains uncertain. Expressing discontent over his removal as captain across all three formats after Pakistan's disappointing performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Babar has requested the PCB to reinstate him as captain across all formats to consider a return to the leadership role.

The decision to relieve Afridi of captaincy duties comes after Naqvi refrained from endorsing him during a press conference, hinting at a forthcoming change in leadership. Afridi's leadership credentials were scrutinized following Pakistan's series loss to New Zealand and Lahore Qalandars' dismal performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Despite being touted as a long-term captaincy prospect, Afridi's tenure faced a premature end, highlighting the PCB's oscillating approach to leadership appointments. The instability in captaincy decisions reflects broader organizational challenges within the PCB, characterized by frequent changes in selectors and coaching staff.

Furthermore, Babar's demand to reclaim the Test captaincy could potentially impact Shan Masood's position as the current Test captain. Masood, who led Pakistan in a solitary Test series against Australia, faces scrutiny amidst Babar's stipulation for a comprehensive captaincy role.

The PCB's selection committee operates without a chief selector, comprising four selectors and additional input from the captain, coach (yet to be appointed), and a data analyst. Selection decisions are made through a voting process, emphasizing a collaborative approach.

Amidst ongoing negotiations with prospective head coaches, including talks with Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, the PCB aims to solidify leadership structures ahead of Pakistan's upcoming series against New Zealand, where Babar is expected to lead the side once again.

As Pakistan navigates through leadership transitions and coaching appointments, the cricketing landscape awaits clarity and stability in organizational frameworks to foster long-term success and competitiveness on the international stage.