Babar Azam’s reported conditional return to Pakistan captaincy across all formats throws Shan Masood’s future as Test skipper into uncertainty. News outlets suggest Azam has laid out a condition for his comeback – full captaincy across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
This development comes after the PCB, under new chairman Mohsin Naqvi, approached Azam to lead the T20I team following his resignation post-World Cup 2023. While Azam was expected to take the reins of the T20I squad, with Shaheen Afridi’s unsuccessful stint coming to an end, his demand for all-format leadership directly impacts Shan Masood’s position.
Masood, appointed Test captain after Azam’s resignation, has only led Pakistan in one series – a disheartening 3-0 whitewash against Australia. Similar to Shaheen’s experience with the T20I team, Masood’s brief tenure as captain has yielded uninspiring results.
However, unlike Shaheen who faced criticism during the PSL 2024, Masood hasn’t had another opportunity to prove his leadership mettle. Some experts argue that judging his captaincy based on a single series against a formidable Australian side might be premature.
With Azam pushing for all-format captaincy, the PCB faces a crucial decision. Appointing Azam fulfills their need for an experienced leader ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, but it comes at the cost of sidelining Masood, who was entrusted with the Test team and hurting Shaheen’s sentiments.
The situation presents a dilemma. Does the PCB prioritize experience and stability with Azam, or offer Masood a chance to redeem himself after a challenging debut series?
While reports indicate Azam is the frontrunner for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, the official announcement regarding his captaincy and its impact on Masood’s role remains awaited. The PCB’s decision will significantly impact Pakistan’s cricketing future, particularly with the Test team needing direction and potentially a new leader if they choose to back Azam’s all-format captaincy claim.
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