Shan Masood receives backing as Test skipper as PCB and coaches undecided on Babar Azam's captaincy future

Turmoil in Pakistan Cricket continues as all concerned stakeholders took a collective call on the future of Test and white-ball captains during the latest top-tier meet in Lahore on Wednesday (July 10). The PCB heads, national selectors, coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten and others all sat to discuss the aftermath of a failed 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas; while the decision-makers backed Test captain Shan Masood to continue leading, they remained undecided on Babar Azam's white-ball captaincy future.

“The meeting was held to discuss ways to move forward with a comprehensive blueprint for the national team in red and white ball formats,” a source close to the development toldnews agency PTI.

Considering Pakistan's lengthy home season, the busiest in the century, that includes Tests against Bangladesh, England and West Indies (and an away tour of South Africa), the PCB and selection committee wants Shan Masood to lead from the front.

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However, on the white-ball front, where Pakistan will host a few series, including a tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa (just ahead of the Champions Trophy next year), the PCB was tight-lipped about Babar’s future.

“Shan got the support at the meeting to continue as Test captain for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, England, South Africa and the West Indies between August and January,” the source added.

Reappointed as the white-ball captain just ahead of the 20-team tournament in the USA and the Caribbean,Babar finds himself in the same position as sacking is on the cards. The modern-day great came under the hammer for his failed leadership campaign in the Americas, with Pakistan exiting in the Group stage following losses to the USA and India.

Wahab, Razzaq sacked

Also, the sacking of chief selector Wahab Riaz and his panel member and former star all-rounder Abdul Razzaq made headlines. Ex-seamer Sarfraz Nawaz also urged the PCB to sack the selection panel for their collective failure to do justice to their job.

“The selection committee has worked collectively and should be sacked collectively for their failure and incompetence,” said Nawaz.

“I am on record to have written letters to Zaka (Ashraf) and (Mohsin) Naqvi regarding Wahab’s suspected past and his lack of abilities as an administrator. Nobody paid heed to my suggestion."

“I knew well that Wahab was not capable of delivering in any capacity yet he was made selector, advisor and manager. On all fronts, he failed,” he continued.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s next series is against Bangladesh at home, consisting of two Tests.

(With inputs from PTI)