Babar Azam becomes Pakistan Test captain again after PCB approval?
According to sources, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has approved the decision after receiving recommendations from the national selection committee. An official announcement is expected either today or on Monday.
If confirmed, this will be another major change in Pakistan’s Test captaincy. Babar was first appointed captain across all formats in 2020 before stepping down from the role in 2023.
He later returned as Pakistan’s white-ball captain in March 2024. However, he resigned from that position in October 2024 after leading the team for a second time.
If Babar is officially named Test captain, it will be his third spell in a senior leadership role for Pakistan. The move comes after Pakistan’s disappointing performances in the longest format of the game.
Shan Masood struggled to deliver consistent results during his time as Test captain. Pakistan won only two of their 16 Test matches under his leadership, including a recent 0-2 home series defeat against Bangladesh.
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Sources say some officials within the PCB believe Babar is the best choice to bring stability to the Test side. They also point to his previous record as captain, where he led Pakistan in 20 Test matches and guided the team to 10 victories, including a memorable away series win in Sri Lanka.
Despite the expected appointment, Babar’s recent batting form in Test cricket has remained under discussion. Reports suggest his Test batting average has dropped below 25, raising questions about his current form.
Even with those concerns, the PCB appears ready to back experience as it looks to rebuild the Test team. Babar’s return is expected to restart debate among fans and cricket experts over Pakistan’s leadership direction.
If Babar Azam returns as Test captain, he will face pressure to improve both the team’s results and his own batting performances. His experience could help Pakistan, but consistent success on the field will be the real test.
