Babar Azam To Be Pakistan Test Captain? PCB Considers Big Step After Bangladesh Defeat

Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly considering reinstating Babar Azam as Test captain after the Bangladesh series following Shan Masood’s poor run and Pakistan’s humiliating defeat in Dhaka.

The Pakistan Cricket Board could be preparing for a dramatic leadership reversal nearly three years after beginning a new era following the team’s disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup campaign. Back then, reports suggested that Babar Azam had reluctantly stepped down as captain across all three formats after mounting criticism over Pakistan’s performances.

Now, after Pakistan’s humiliating 104-run defeat against Bangladesh in the opening Test in Dhaka, fresh reports indicate that pressure is mounting on current Test captain Shan Masood. The defeat has intensified scrutiny on both Masood’s captaincy and his batting form, with discussions already underway inside the PCB regarding a possible leadership change.

According to a PTI report, influential figures within the board are considering bringing Babar Azam back as Test captain for the remainder of the current ICC World Test Championship cycle. Pakistan are still scheduled to play seven more Tests this year, and the board reportedly sees Babar as the best option to stabilise the side.

PCB Officials Back Babar Azam’s Return

A source close to the Pakistan team revealed that several senior figures inside the PCB are strongly pushing for Babar’s return to leadership duties.

“Some influential figures in the Pakistan Cricket Board also want Babar back as captain and believe this is the right time to give him another run at captaincy,” the source said.

The support for Babar is not limited to the boardroom. Reports suggest that several players inside the dressing room are also open to seeing him regain the captaincy role.

READ ALSO | Sanjay Manjrekar Urges Mumbai Indians To Replace Hardik Pandya With Jasprit Bumrah As Captain

Babar missed the first Bangladesh Test because of a knee injury but is expected to return for the second Test beginning on May 18. Sources claim that if the star batter performs well and regains rhythm with the bat, his chances of reclaiming the Test captaincy will significantly improve.

“If Babar plays the second Test and regains his batting form, he is a strong contender to come back as captain. Initial exchanges with some board officials indicate he is also not averse to becoming captain again,” the source added.

ODI Captaincy Also Part Of PCB’s Long-Term Plans

Reports further suggest that the PCB’s plans may not stop with the Test format. The board is reportedly exploring the possibility of preparing Babar Azam to reassume ODI captaincy ahead of next year’s World Cup as well.

Currently, Pakistan have separate captains across formats, with Shan Masood leading the Test side, Shaheen Shah Afridi captaining the ODI team, and Salman Ali Agha heading the T20I squad. All three captains are presently part of Pakistan’s Bangladesh tour.

Babar had earlier returned as Pakistan’s T20 captain ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup but stepped down again after the team’s underwhelming campaign in the tournament.

READ ALSO | Tim David’s Obscene Celebration After RCB’s Thrilling Win Over MI Goes Viral

Meanwhile, Shan Masood’s tenure as Test captain has produced disappointing results so far. Since taking charge in December 2023, Pakistan have managed to lose 11 of their 15 Test matches under his leadership.

Reports also indicate that Masood is now seriously considering taking up a permanent administrative role with the PCB. He had previously been offered the role of Director of International Cricket and Player Affairs by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi last year but chose to continue leading the Test side during the ongoing WTC cycle.