Star batter Babar Azam is expected to be reappointed as Pakistan’s Test captain after the leadership change reportedly received approval from Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, according to sources familiar with the matter.
An official announcement is expected either today or early next week. If confirmed, the decision would mark another major shift in Pakistan’s Test leadership strategy as the board looks to halt a prolonged slump in red-ball cricket.
Third leadership stint for Babar Azam
Babar Azam was first appointed Pakistan’s all-format captain in 2020, a role he held until stepping down in 2023. He returned as white-ball captain in March 2024 but resigned again in October of the same year. His expected appointment as Test captain would be his third spell in a senior leadership position for the national side.
During his previous tenure as Test captain from 2020 to 2023, Babar led Pakistan in 20 matches and won 10, including a rare away series victory in Sri Lanka. That record is viewed by many within the board as a sign of relative stability compared to Pakistan’s recent performances.
Shan Masood’s difficult tenure prompts rethink
The move comes after a challenging period under Shan Masood, who took charge of the Test team in late 2023. Pakistan managed only two wins in 16 Tests during his captaincy, with defeats mounting both home and away.
The situation worsened with a 0–2 home series loss to Bangladesh in May, which intensified criticism of team selection, leadership, and long-term planning in red-ball cricket. That result is understood to have played a key role in the PCB reconsidering its captaincy approach.
Concerns over form but experience favored
While Babar Azam’s leadership credentials are well established, his recent Test batting form has come under scrutiny. His average in the format has reportedly fallen below 25, raising questions about whether added captaincy pressure could further affect performance.
Despite these concerns, PCB insiders suggest the board is prioritizing experience and continuity over experimentation. With Pakistan’s Test side struggling for direction, officials reportedly see Babar as a safer option capable of commanding dressing-room respect and providing tactical clarity.
A familiar figure at the center of debate
If the decision is finalized, Babar Azam will once again find himself at the center of Pakistan cricket’s leadership debate, balancing expectations as both senior batter and captain. The move would also underline the PCB’s broader struggle to establish long-term stability in Test cricket amid frequent leadership changes.
For now, all eyes are on the PCB’s formal announcement, which is expected to confirm whether Babar Azam will once again lead Pakistan in the longest format of the game.
