Pakistan Cricket NewsBangladesh Cricket NewsInternational MatchesT20 World CupT20 World Cup 2024TestTest Cricket
Babar Azam Likely to Lose Test Captaincy for Bangladesh Tour Following T20 World Cup 2024 Setback
Babar Azam’s hopes of regaining the Test captaincy for Pakistan seem to be over after a series of disappointing results in the T20 World Cup 2024.
The Pakistani cricket community was stunned when the USA knocked Pakistan out of contention for the Super 8 stage. This has raised serious doubts about Babar Azam’s leadership prospects.
Shan Masood to Continue as Test Captain for Bangladesh Series
According to Geo News, Shan Masood is expected to remain as Test captain for Pakistan’s upcoming two-match red-ball series against Bangladesh in August.
This decision follows increasing dissatisfaction within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over Babar Azam’s leadership, especially after the disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 performance.
Bringing a new perspective to Pakistan’s red-ball strategy, former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie will make his debut as Pakistan’s Test head coach during the Bangladesh series. His appointment marks a fresh approach as the team aims to recover from recent setbacks.
Masood’s rise to Test captaincy came after Babar Azam stepped down from his leadership roles in all formats following the ODI World Cup last year.
Shaheen Afridi then assumed the T20I captaincy, but his tenure was brief. His leadership ended in April after a disastrous 4-1 series loss to New Zealand.
Before the T20 World Cup, the PCB reinstated Babar Azam as the white-ball captain, calling it a “strategic move.” With Gary Kirsten joining as the white-ball head coach, the board aimed to rejuvenate Pakistan’s performance.
However, the plan failed dramatically. Pakistan’s campaign faltered with early losses to the USA and India, pushing them to the brink of elimination.
Despite a strong comeback win against Canada, Pakistan’s fate was sealed when the USA advanced to the Super 8. Pakistan’s World Cup journey will conclude with a match against Ireland in Florida this Sunday.
The recent debacle has cast serious doubts over Babar Azam’s leadership. While he was briefly reinstated as the white-ball captain, the PCB’s gamble didn’t succeed, leaving the team’s direction uncertain.
