PCB are reportedly preparing for another major leadership shake-up after Pakistan’s humiliating 0-2 Test series defeat against Bangladesh. With pressure mounting on Test captain Shan Masood following the disastrous campaign, reports suggest Salman Ali Agha is emerging as a leading candidate. Meanwhile, fans are also debating whether the PCB could turn back to former captain Babar Azam.
BAN vs PAK: How has Shan Masood’s run as Test captain been?
Having captained Pakistan in 16 Tests, Masood has managed only 4 victories, two of which came against England in the home series in 2024 as the hosts came back from a 0-1 deficit to take the series. The other two wins came against South Africa and the West Indies. However, Masood’s tenure has seen Pakistan getting swept twice 2-0 to Bangladesh in a home and away series as it has reportedly forced the board to take a drastic action. Pakistan are also languishing at eighth stage in the latest World Test Championship (WTC) standings and are highly unlikely to reach the final. They had also finished at the bottom of the WTC points table in the previous cycle.
The southpaw has also struggled with the bat as captain, managing only 1056 runs in 16 matches as skipper at 34.06 with only two hundreds in 32 innings. Hence, that aspect has hurt Pakistan the most. However, Babar has struggled as much when in charge of the Test side, winning only 10 matches out of 20 as a leader. Nevertheless, Babar averages a healthy 50.79 as a Test skipper in 20 games with four hundreds between 2021 to 2023.
Nevertheless, according to Geo News, Pakistan is likely to appoint Salman Ali Agha, who is the T20I captain, as their Test skipper. The 32-year-old has decent numbers in red-ball international cricket, accumulating 1663 runs in 25 matches, averaging 39.59 along with three centuries.
When will Pakistan next play Test cricket?
The sub-continent nation’s next Test assignment is scheduled in August when they tour England for three Tests. With the Ben Stokes-led England adopting a BazBall style of play, Pakistan will face a stern test, with the home side beginning as firm favourites.
Pakistan last won a Test series in England in 1996 and their most recent Test victory on English soil came in 2018.
