Azhar Ali to be replaced as Pakistan ODI captain soon

There had to be a fallout after Pakistan’s embarrassing 169 run loss against England in the 3^rd ODI of the ongoing 5 match ODI series. Reports have emerged that Azhar Ali, Pakistan’s ODI captain is going to be replaced a mere 18 months after taking charge from Misbah-ul-Haq at the end of the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

A meeting, chaired by PCB chief Sharayar Khan and attended by Pakistan greats such as Wasim Akram and Rameez Raja suggested that the T20 captain Sarfraz Ahmed should be appointed as the captain of the ODI team as well.

In 23 matches as captain, Azhar Ali has a 8-14 win loss record, indicative of Pakistan’s form in ODIs. "It is time for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to admit they made a mistake in appointing Azhar as the ODI captain and appoint someone else for the series against the West Indies next month," former Test captain Javed Miandad said.

The issue is not only with the captaincy, but the overall predicament of the one-day side. While former cricketers like Javed Miandad are thrilled with Pakistan’s performances in Test Cricket, the ODI form is a concern for them.

"Where are we going in this format. It is going to be a big challenge now for coach Mickey Arthur to replicate his success of the Test matches into limited over cricket," former cricketer Moisin Khan said. "It is going to be a tough test for him. While we have a settled Test side and are number one, it is exactly the opposite in ODI cricket.” he added.

The clamour for Sarfraz Khan to become the ODI captain has gathered steam with cricketers like Wasim Akram sharing their views on the issue. "I think it is the right time to give responsibility to Sarfaraz and make him ODI captain. He is a performer under pressure and he can bring about a change," Wasim was quoted as saying.

It is certainly a tough time for Azhar Ali, who has a stellar Test record and is one of the most consistent performers in that format. Testing times ahead for the Pakistan Cricket Board as well, as they try to replicate their Test form in the ODIs. The Pakistan team certainly boasts of a number of players who can excel in ODIs and it should be a matter of time before their fortunes are turned around.

Maybe a change of captaincy will bring that about.