PCB Planning Major U-Turn As Babar Azam Likely To Replace Shan Masood As Test Captain

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly looking for another major leadership change after the team’s disappointing performances in Test cricket. Reports suggest that the PCB is considering bringing back Babar Azam as Test captain, replacing Shan Masood after the ongoing Bangladesh series.

The discussion started after Pakistan suffered a humiliating 104-run defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test in Dhaka on Tuesday. The loss has increased criticism of both the team’s performances and Masood’s captaincy. His poor batting form has also added to the pressure.

News Agency PTI quoted a source close to the team, some influential people inside the PCB believe this is the right time to give Babar another chance as captain. Pakistan still has seven more Test matches left in the current ICC World Test Championship cycle, and the board reportedly wants a stronger direction for the team.

ALSO READ: 'Pressure Keeps You Humble': Virat Kohli On Why He Didn't Celebrate Century During RCB vs KKR

Masood has been leading the Test side since December 2023, but the results have been disappointing. Under his captaincy, Pakistan has lost 11 out of 15 Test matches.

How Babar can become the leading choice to take over the captaincy?

Babar missed the first Test against Bangladesh because of a knee injury, but he is expected to return for the second match starting on May 18. The report says that if he performs well and regains his batting rhythm, he could become the leading choice to take over the captaincy again.

ALSO READ: IPL 2026: Disastrous Campaigns May Lead To Sacking Of Three Captains; Who Are They?

Sources also claim that several players inside the dressing room support Babar’s return as captain. Pakistan’s ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and T20I captain Salman Ali Agha are both currently part of the Bangladesh tour.

Babar to lead Pakistan in ODI World Cup 2027?

There are also reports that the PCB may eventually hand Babar the ODI captaincy again before next year’s World Cup. He had earlier returned as T20 captain for the 2024 World Cup but stepped down after Pakistan’s poor campaign in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Masood is said to be very disappointed after the defeat in Dhaka and could consider taking up a full-time role within the PCB. Last year, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi reportedly offered him the role of Director of International Cricket and Player Affairs, but Masood decided to continue leading the Test team during the World Test Championship cycle.