In a testament to his enduring popularity, Babar Azam, though no longer the captain of Pakistan’s Test team, remains the favored choice among fans who yearn for his return to the leadership role. This sentiment was vividly displayed during the third day of the first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Friday. A video captured the crowd’s unwavering affection for the former captain, showcasing their chants that reverberated through the stadium: “Humara Kaptaan Kaisa Ho? Babar Azam Jaisa Ho” (What kind of captain should we have? Like Babar Azam). The video has since garnered widespread attention on social media platforms, highlighting the enduring love and respect that the talented batsman enjoys among Pakistani fans.
Babar stepped down as captain across all formats following a less-than-stellar performance at the ODI World Cup in India last year. Shaheen Afridi was subsequently appointed as the new skipper, but his tenure was short-lived, leading to Babar’s reinstatement as captain in the white-ball formats. Meanwhile, Shan Masood continues to lead the Test team, seeking his first victory in the longest format of the game.
Despite the leadership changes, the match itself saw a spirited fightback from Bangladesh. Four of their top seven batters reached half-centuries, pushing the visitors to a respectable 316-5 in response to Pakistan’s declared score of 448-6. The match, therefore, promises to be a tight and exciting contest as both teams battle for victory.
