Babar Azam as Test captain again? Pakistan plan sacking Shan Masood after Mirpur loss
BAN vs PAK, 1st Test: Pakistan are considering bringing back Babar Azam as Test captain after mounting criticism of Shan Masood following the team's 104-run defeat to Bangladesh in the opening Test in Mirpur.
Pakistan are reportedly preparing to bring back Babar Azam as Test captain after another disappointing phase under Shan Masood. The move has gathered pace following Pakistan’s crushing 104-run defeat to Bangladesh in the opening Test in Mirpur, a result that triggered heavy criticism of the team management and leadership.
As per a source close to the team, influential figures within the Pakistan Cricket Board are backing Babar’s return for the remaining matches of the current World Test Championship cycle. Pakistan still have seven Tests left this year, and there is growing belief within the board that the side needs a more stable and experienced leader.
"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.
"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 said.
Babar was Pakistan’s captain across all three formats from 2019 to 2023 after succeeding Sarfaraz Ahmed. However, he stepped down following Pakistan’s disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup campaign in India, where the team failed to reach the semi-finals.
He later returned as Pakistan’s T20I captain ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup, but resigned once again after Pakistan suffered shock defeats to India and USA and crashed out in the group stage.
SHAN MASOOD STRUGGLES AS CAPTAIN
Masood’s record as Test captain has come under severe scrutiny. Since taking over the role in December 2023, Pakistan have lost 11 of their 15 Tests under him. Pakistan were whitewashed 3-0 in Australia, lost 2-0 at home to Bangladesh in 2024 and recently suffered another damaging defeat in Mirpur. Although Pakistan did beat England 2-1 at home and drew 1-1 against South Africa, the overall consistency has been missing.
Ironically, just days before the Bangladesh series, Masood had publicly backed Babar to carry his Pakistan Super League form into Tests. Babar enjoyed a superb PSL season for Peshawar Zalmi, scoring 588 runs in 11 matches at an average of 73.02 and strike-rate of 145.90.
Babar missed the Mirpur Test because of a knee injury, but reports suggest he is likely to return for the second Test beginning on May 18. His absence was felt badly as Pakistan’s batting struggled in both innings during the defeat.