PCB and Coach Jason Gillespie Back Shan Masood for Test Captaincy Amidst Leadership Debacle

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and coach Jason Gillespie have endorsed Shan Masood to remain the national team's Test captain amid a congested international season. While Masood retains his role, the leadership of Babar Azam in white-ball formats is undecided. The PCB is set to host several international series shortly.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and coach Jason Gillespie have backed Shan Masood to continue as the national team’s Test captain ahead of a rigorous international season, but have postponed a decision regarding Babar Azam’s leadership in white-ball formats. Pakistan is scheduled to host England in a three-match Test series in October this year, with series against Bangladesh, South Africa, and the West Indies also on the horizon.

The PCB convened a meeting, attended by top board officials, national selectors, Gillespie, white-ball formats coach Gary Kirsten, and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, to review Pakistan's disappointing performance in the recent T20 World Cup in the Americas. “The meeting was aimed at formulating a comprehensive blueprint for the national team’s progress in both red and white-ball formats,” revealed an insider.

Masood, who assumed the Test captaincy earlier this year, received unanimous support to lead in the upcoming series against Bangladesh, England, South Africa, and the West Indies, scheduled between August and January. However, no definitive decision was made regarding Babar Azam's white-ball captaincy, despite significant discussions about his leadership and performance as a batsman.

A source disclosed that Babar faced criticism for lacking strength and leadership skills, particularly during the T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, former Pakistan pacer Sarfraz Nawaz has called for the dismissal of the entire selection committee, citing collective incompetence during the ICC tournament.

“The selection committee has shown collective failure and needs to be sacked,” said Nawaz. He also criticized the appointment of Wahab Riaz in various administrative roles, highlighting his lack of competence and a questionable past.