Ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh in Dhaka, Pakistan captain Shan Masood has heaped praise on Babar Azam, calling him one of the finest batters the country has ever produced.
Masood highlighted Babar’s strong run in the Pakistan Super League 2026 as a major boost for the team, expressing confidence that the former captain will carry that form into the longest format.
“I believe he is one of the best batsmen Pakistan has ever produced. Having him scoring runs is always beneficial, as it gives a player confidence. It’s a very good time for us because he is coming into this series with plenty of runs from the PSL. We are looking forward to him replicating those performances in Test cricket,” Masood said.
While acknowledging the differences between T20 and Test cricket, Masood backed Babar’s ability to adapt seamlessly.
“What matters is the present, and right now he has runs behind him. He’s one of the best players in the world and has the ability to transition from T20s to Tests while carrying the same form,” he added.
Masood also spoke about the challenge posed by Bangladesh, particularly their improved pace attack.
“Their pace attack is very good — probably the best I have seen from them. We won’t compare units, as both sides have quality,” he said.
Backing his own squad, Masood emphasized the stability and experience within the team, especially in the middle order.
“Our team is quite settled. The middle order is our engine room. Any changes at the top have mostly been due to injuries or availability. Players like Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq have been part of this setup for a long time and bring valuable experience across conditions,” he added.
With a confident squad and a key batter in form, Pakistan will be aiming to make a strong statement in the upcoming Test series.
