Babar Azam Poised for Captaincy Return as Shan Masood Faces PCB Scrutiny
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A Leadership Crisis in Pakistan Cricket
The landscape of Pakistan cricket is currently engulfed in uncertainty following a dismal performance in the first Test match against Bangladesh. After being bundled out for a mere 163 runs in the fourth innings at Mirpur, the Men in Green find themselves in a precarious position. The defeat has not only sparked public outcry but has also placed significant scrutiny on the captaincy of Shan Masood, whose tactical decisions and leadership have come under intense fire from both fans and insiders alike.
The Absence of Babar Azam
A major point of contention during the opening Test was the absence of former captain Babar Azam. While the official stance suggested an injury prevented his participation, the sight of the batting maestro grinding through intense training sessions in the nets during the match led to widespread speculation. In his stead, debutant Abdullah Fazal impressed with twin fifties, yet the team’s inability to chase a target of 268 highlighted a glaring lack of experience in the middle order—a vacuum that only a player of Babar’s stature could fill.
The Path to the Second Test
With the second Test looming in Sylhet, Pakistan faces a do-or-die scenario. The selection dilemma is clear: to reintegrate Babar Azam, the team management must make difficult sacrifices. With Abdullah Fazal and young opener Azan Awais showing promise, the axe may fall on either Imam-ul-Haq or the struggling Shan Masood himself. While Saud Shakeel has been a reliable performer, the overall lack of cohesion has forced the selectors to reconsider the entire structure of the Playing XI.
The Potential Return of the Maestro
Beyond the immediate team selection, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appears to be shifting its stance regarding the leadership role. Reports citing PTI indicate that influential figures within the board are losing faith in Shan Masood’s ability to lead the side effectively. The consensus among these stakeholders is that now is the appropriate moment to hand the reins back to Babar Azam, whose calm demeanor and tactical experience are deemed essential for the team’s recovery.
However, this transition is not guaranteed. Sources suggest that any potential reinstatement hinges on Babar’s performance in the upcoming Test match. Should he regain his footing at the crease, he is expected to be handed the captaincy officially starting from the tour of England. Discussions with board officials have reportedly shown that Babar is not averse to taking on the responsibility once again.
Analyzing the Form Slump
While his reputation as Pakistan’s premier batter remains intact, it is impossible to ignore the reality of Babar Azam’s recent form. Since his record-breaking 2022 campaign, where he amassed 1,184 Test runs, he has struggled to find his rhythm in the longest format. The lack of a Test century since that period, coupled with only a solitary half-century since 2024, paints a concerning picture for a player of his caliber. Nevertheless, his recent resurgence in the PSL 2026, where he scored 558 runs and led Peshawar Zalmi to a title, provides a glimmer of hope that he can translate that white-ball form back into the whites.
Looking Ahead
As Pakistan currently sits seventh on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table with a 33.33 percentage point standing, the gravity of the situation cannot be overstated. The upcoming Test at Sylhet serves as a critical juncture for the PCB to decide the future direction of the national team. Whether the board chooses to stick with their current project or look toward the familiarity of their former leader, the primary goal remains clear: to revitalize a batting lineup and a leadership structure that currently appears fragile on the international stage.
