Pakistan cricket team hit another low after suffering a Test series whitewash against Bangladesh away from home. Led by Shan Masood, Pakistan lost a two-match Test series to Bangladesh for the second consecutive time, increasing pressure on the captain and team management. Following the disappointing result, reports suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is seriously considering a change in leadership in the Test format.
According to reports, Shan Masood could lose the Test captaincy as the PCB looks at possible replacements ahead of the upcoming assignments. Former captain Babar Azam has emerged as one of the frontrunners for the role, while current T20I captain Salman Ali Agha is also being considered by the team management.
Shan Masood, who took over the Test captaincy in 2023, has endured a difficult tenure so far. Under his leadership, Pakistan have suffered heavy defeats, including back-to-back Test series whitewashes against Bangladesh — a team Pakistan had historically dominated in the longest format before these losses.
Reports suggest that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is unhappy with Pakistan’s recent performances in Test cricket. Despite initially backing Masood, the board is reportedly frustrated with the team’s poor results. Under Shan’s captaincy, Pakistan have won only four out of 16 Test matches, with the side losing 12 games and registering a win percentage of just 25 percent.
Babar Azam is now being viewed as a strong candidate to return as Test captain. The star batter previously led Pakistan in 20 Test matches, winning 10 of them and maintaining a 50 percent win record. His experience as captain and seniority within the side make him a serious option despite his inconsistent form over the last couple of years. In the recent Bangladesh series, Babar showed signs of returning to form by scoring a crucial half-century in the opening Test.
Meanwhile, Salman Ali Agha is another name under consideration. Already leading Pakistan in T20Is, the all-rounder is regarded as a player with leadership qualities and a calm temperament. Agha has also been a consistent performer in Test cricket, scoring over 1,500 runs in 25 matches at an average close to 40, including three centuries and 12 half-centuries.
