Will Babar Azam replace Shan Masood as Pakistan Test captain? Report suggests Babar may reclaim ODI role before World Cup

Masood has had a hard time since then with his team failing in 11 out of 15 matches since being appointed as Pakistan's Test skipper in November 2023.

Babar Azam, the former captain in all formats, is speculated to make a comeback and lead the Test side for the second Test in Sylhet, based on a PTI report quoting sources at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

"If Babar plays the second Test and regains his batting form, he is a strong contender to come back as captain. Initial exchanges with some board officials indicate he is also not averse to become captain again," a source was quoted by the news agency.

Babar Azam was unavailable for the first Test match due to a knee injury but he is likely to play the upcoming and final one of the series.

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PCB reportedly planning long-term return for Babar

Babar served as the all-format captain of Pakistan from 2019 to 2020 but resigned from his position after the 2023 ODI World Cup.

He again took charge as the white-ball captain for Pakistan at the 2024 T20 World Cup, but was eventually sacked again due to lackluster performance.

While stating that "some influential figures in the Pakistan Cricket Board also want Babar back as captain and believe this is the right time to give him another run at captaincy," the source revealed that the long-term plan could see Babar prepare as captain for the 2027 ODI World Cup as well.

Pakistan’s current captains across formats, Shan Masood (Test), Shaheen Shah Afridi (ODI) and Salman Ali Agha (T20I) are all part of the Bangladesh tour.

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The Cricket News Opinion: Is bringing Babar back as Pakistan captain the right move?

Babar’s reappointment will provide Pakistan with an experienced leader with strong credentials on the world cricket stage. Consistency with the bat and a strong dressing room presence makes him an obvious choice any time captaincy issues are raised.

However, the ever-changing captains of Pakistan have caused them to experience many ups and downs. A change in leadership again may lead to difficulties with their future plans for the World Test Championship and 2027 ODI World Cup unless Babar is truly invested in for the long run.

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