PCB Announces Captaincy Change

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reinstated Babar Azam as the national team's Test captain ahead of crucial ICC World Test Championship assignments against the West Indies and England. Shan Masood, who took over in late 2023, has been sacked after Pakistan won just four of 16 Tests under his leadership, losing 12. Chief selector Aaqib Javed stated, We wanted to look for a captain who could lead the team in a much better way. Shan’s individual performance was good but as captain we weren’t getting the desired results.

Reasons for the Decision

During Masood's tenure, Pakistan suffered a 3-0 series defeat in Australia and a 2-0 home loss to Bangladesh—their first ever. Their only series win came against England at home (2-1). Javed emphasized the captain’s responsibility for over-rate management, DRS decisions, and toss calls. The captain has a responsibility of finishing the games. Some things are the responsibility of the team, some of the selectors, and some of the captain.

Babar’s Track Record

Babar’s first spell as captain (2021-2023) yielded 10 wins in 20 Tests, including 2-0 home series victories over South Africa and clean sweeps against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He averaged over 50 runs per innings. His only home series defeat came against England (3-0). Babar’s return coincides with a squad featuring four uncapped players: left-arm spinner Ali Usman, batter Muhammad Awais Zafar, fast bowler Ubaid Shah, and wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori. Saud Shakeel will join the England squad subject to fitness.

Upcoming Schedule

Pakistan’s West Indies Test series begins on July 25 in Tarouba, followed by a second Test in Port of Spain (August 2-6). The England leg starts in Leeds (August 19-23), moves to Lord’s (August 27-31), and concludes in Birmingham (September 9-13). Babar will lead both tours, aiming to improve Pakistan’s ninth-place World Test Championship standings.