Is Babar Azam Set to Reclaim Test Captaincy for Pakistan After Disappointing Start?

Pakistan's cricket team is contemplating a significant leadership change after a disappointing Test defeat against Bangladesh. Following Shan Masood's struggles as captain, there are discussions about reinstating Babar Azam to lead the team once again. With seven Tests remaining in the World Test Championship cycle, Babar's potential return could reshape the team's dynamics. As he recovers from injury, the cricketing community is eager to see if he can reclaim his captaincy and guide Pakistan to success. This article delves into the implications of this possible change and the reactions within the team and the Pakistan Cricket Board.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 18:03 IST

Babar Azam's Potential Return as Test Captain

Karachi: Following a disheartening 104-run loss in the first Test against Bangladesh, Pakistan is reportedly considering replacing Shan Masood with Babar Azam as the Test captain. This decision comes amid significant criticism regarding the team's performance and Masood's leadership, especially after his lackluster batting display in both innings.

Sources indicate that there is a growing movement within the team to reinstate Babar as captain for the remaining matches of the World Test Championship cycle, with seven Tests still on the calendar for this year.

Since taking over the captaincy in December 2023, Masood has led Pakistan to defeat in 11 out of 15 matches. Babar, who missed the first Test due to a knee injury, is expected to return for the second Test scheduled for May 18.

Influential members of the Pakistan Cricket Board are advocating for Babar's return to captaincy, believing it is an opportune moment for him to lead again. There is also internal support among team members for Babar's reinstatement.

Currently, all three captains of the Pakistan team across formats are part of the squad in Bangladesh, including ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and T20I captain Salman Ali Agha.

If Babar performs well in the second Test, he could be a strong candidate for captaincy. Initial discussions with board officials suggest he is open to resuming the role.

The plan is to reinstate Babar as Test captain and subsequently prepare him to take over as ODI captain ahead of next year's World Cup.

Babar previously captained all formats from 2019 to 2023 before stepping down after the 2023 World Cup in India. He was later reinstated as T20 captain for the 2024 World Cup but resigned again following a disappointing tournament.

Shan Masood, feeling the weight of the recent defeat, is contemplating a permanent position within the Pakistan Cricket Board. He was offered the role of Director of International Cricket and Player Affairs last year but chose to complete the current World Test Championship cycle.