PCB reappoints Babar Azam as Pakistan Test captain

The Pakistan Cricket Board has reappointed Babar Azam as the national Test captain, replacing Shan Masood ahead of a two-match series against the West Indies later this month. The announcement was made during a press conference at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, July 5.

The decision marks Babar Azam's return to the role he held from 2020 until stepping down in 2023. His reappointment follows a difficult tenure for Shan Masood, who was appointed nearly three years ago. Under Masood's leadership, Pakistan lost 12 of the 16 Tests he captained, including a recent 2-0 home series defeat to Bangladesh. The team finished his captaincy on a seven-match losing streak, equaling the longest losing run in Pakistan's Test history. Pakistan also finished at the bottom of the World Test Championship 2023-25 standings.

Despite the team's struggles, Masood's individual batting form improved, with his Test average rising to 34.06 as captain. His tenure included a sole series victory, a memorable home win over England.

Babar Azam now returns as the country's most experienced leadership candidate. During his first stint, he captained Pakistan in 20 Tests, winning 10 and averaging 50 with the...