PCB Banks on Shan Masood; Babar Azam's White Ball Captaincy Reviewed

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reaffirmed its trust in Shan Masood as the Test captain for the national team amidst a busy international season. However, no decision was made regarding the leadership of Babar Azam in white ball formats. Critics, including Sarfraz Nawaz, have demanded the sacking of the selection committee for their poor performance.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and coach Jason Gillespie have shown unwavering support for Shan Masood to continue as the national team’s Test captain for a busy upcoming international season, though no decision has yet been made about Babar Azam's role in white ball formats.

Scheduled matches include a three-match Test series against England in October, with additional series against Bangladesh, South Africa, and the West Indies.

The PCB convened a meeting on Wednesday with senior officials, national selectors, Gillespie, white ball formats coach Gary Kirsten, and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood to discuss Pakistan's poor showing in the recent T20 World Cup. A source indicated that the meeting aimed at creating a comprehensive blueprint for the national team.

Masood, who became Test captain before the Australia tour earlier this year, received a strong endorsement to continue in his role.

“Shan received unanimous support to continue as Test captain for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, England, South Africa, and the West Indies between August and January,” the source said.

However, no decision was reached on Babar's captaincy in white ball cricket, despite extensive discussions on his leadership and performance.

Sarfraz Nawaz, a former Pakistan pacer, criticized the entire selection committee for their collective failure during the T20 World Cup and advocated for their sacking.

“The selection committee should be sacked for their complete incompetence,” Nawaz demanded.

Nawaz also criticized PCB officials for ignoring his warnings about selector Wahab Riaz’s lack of capabilities and administrative skills.

“Wahab failed in every role he was assigned, yet no action was taken,” he said.