Babar Azam Poised to Reclaim Test Captaincy from Shan Masood After Disappointing Loss

Babar Azam's Potential Return as Test Captain

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering a leadership change, with Babar Azam set to replace Shan Masood as the Test captain. This decision comes on the heels of a disappointing 104-run defeat in the first Test against Bangladesh held in Dhaka. The team's overall performance and Masood's captaincy have faced significant scrutiny, especially after his lackluster batting display in both innings.

With seven more Test matches scheduled for this year, discussions are underway to reinstate Babar as captain for the remaining fixtures of the World Test Championship cycle. Babar was sidelined for the first Test due to a knee injury but is anticipated to return for the second match on May 18.

Since taking over the captaincy in December 2023, Masood has led Pakistan to a troubling record of 11 losses out of 15 matches. Influential figures within the PCB are advocating for Babar's return, believing it is an opportune moment for him to reclaim the captaincy. There is also support for Babar among the current team members, including T20I captain Salman Ali Agha and ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.

If Babar performs well in the upcoming second Test, he is likely to be reinstated as captain. Initial discussions with PCB officials suggest that he is open to resuming the captaincy role. The plan is to have Babar lead the Test team and subsequently prepare him to take over as ODI captain ahead of the World Cup next year.

Babar previously captained all three formats from 2019 until his resignation during the 2023 World Cup in India. Following a disappointing tournament, he stepped down as T20 captain for the upcoming 2024 World Cup. Meanwhile, Shan Masood has expressed dissatisfaction with the recent Test loss and is contemplating a permanent role within the PCB, having previously declined an offer for the position of Director of International Cricket and Player Affairs.