By Our Correspondent
LAHORE : Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reappointed star batter Babar Azam as captain of the national Test side, marking a significant leadership change ahead of the team’s important tours of the West Indies and England. The decision comes after PCB reviewed Pakistan’s recent performances and concluded that a change in leadership was necessary to improve results in the longest format of the game.
The announcement accompanied the unveiling of Pakistan’s Test squad for the upcoming overseas assignments, with Shan Masood relieved of captaincy responsibilities after leading the side during a challenging period. While Masood will remain available for selection as a player, the PCB believes a fresh leadership approach can help the team regain consistency in Test cricket.
According to officials familiar with the decision, the selection committee unanimously backed Babar Azam as the most suitable candidate to lead the national side. The committee considered several options before agreeing that the experienced batter possessed the leadership qualities and international experience needed to guide Pakistan through a demanding schedule.
Selection Committee Chairman Aaqib Javed dismissed speculation that Babar had placed conditions before accepting the captaincy. He clarified that the former skipper accepted the responsibility without demanding guarantees regarding team selection or management, emphasizing his commitment to serving Pakistan cricket.
Aaqib said the leadership change was based purely on cricketing considerations rather than personal preferences. He explained that Pakistan had suffered several narrow defeats in recent Test matches despite remaining competitive throughout those contests. The inability to convert promising positions into victories influenced the committee’s decision to review the captaincy.
While acknowledging Shan Masood’s efforts, Aaqib noted that his individual batting performances remained respectable but the team’s overall results failed to meet expectations. The committee believed a new captain could help improve decision-making during crucial moments and provide greater confidence within the dressing room.
The chairman also stressed the importance of achieving consistent success in bilateral Test series, saying stable performances are essential for maintaining continuity in team selection and leadership. He added that overseas conditions require tactical flexibility and experienced leadership capable of adapting to different playing environments.
Former Pakistan captain and selection committee member Misbah-ul-Haq also supported the appointment, describing Babar Azam as one of the country’s most valuable cricketers across all formats. Misbah rejected suggestions that Babar’s recent T20 performances influenced the decision, stating that the appointment was made with Pakistan’s long-term Test ambitions in mind.
Misbah acknowledged that while Babar has established himself as one of the world’s leading batters in One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals, he still has the opportunity to elevate his performances further in Test cricket. He emphasized that leading the national side carries responsibilities beyond scoring runs, requiring tactical awareness, calm decision-making and the ability to inspire teammates.
The selectors also discussed Pakistan’s bowling resources ahead of the overseas tours. Aaqib explained that conditions in England are expected to differ from those encountered during previous assignments, requiring a balanced pace attack capable of exploiting local conditions. He indicated that Pakistan’s bowling strategy has been adjusted after reviewing performances during recent series.
Meanwhile, Misbah confirmed that fast bowler Naseem Shah will continue participating in domestic cricket and remain available for national selection whenever required. The management believes maintaining player fitness and match practice is vital before major international assignments.
Babar Azam previously stepped down as Pakistan’s all-format captain following the team’s disappointing campaign at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. Since then, leadership responsibilities have changed across formats as PCB continued evaluating the team’s direction and long-term planning.
His return as Test captain represents another chapter in Pakistan cricket’s evolving leadership structure. With challenging series against the West Indies and England approaching, expectations will be high for Babar to combine his batting excellence with effective captaincy.
The PCB hopes the leadership transition will strengthen team morale, improve performances in difficult overseas conditions and help Pakistan achieve more consistent results in the World Test Championship cycle. All eyes will now be on Babar Azam as he begins his second tenure as Pakistan’s Test captain, aiming to guide the national side back to winning ways on the international stage.
