Babar Azam to be re-instated as Pakistan's Test captain after Bangladesh hammering? Know what's running through PCB's mind

In the wake of a humiliating 104-run defeat against Bangladesh in the opening Test at Dhaka, Pakistan is reportedly preparing to reinstate Babar Azam as Test captain. The heavy loss has sparked a significant public and critical backlash within Pakistan, focusing largely on the leadership of Shan Masood. Masood’s personal form has also come under fire after he failed to contribute significantly with the bat in both innings of the first Test.

Babar Azam to become Pakistan's Test captain again?

As per a PTI report, sources close to the team have hinted that a concerted effort is underway to return the captaincy to Babar for the remainder of the current World Test Championship cycle. This move comes as Pakistan prepares for a grueling schedule, with seven more Tests remaining this year. Babar, who missed the series opener due to a knee injury, is expected to return to the playing XI for the second Test starting May 18.

ALSO READ: ICC Test Rankings: Jasprit Bumrah rigid on top, Shubman Gill takes plunge; Yashasvi Jaiswal stays stagnant

The potential leadership change highlights a difficult period for Masood, whose tenure since taking over in December 2023 has been marked by a lack of results. Under his captaincy, Pakistan has suffered 11 losses in 15 matches, prompting the board to reconsider its direction as they look to stabilize the team's performance on the international stage.

"Some influential figures in the Pakistan Cricket Board also want Babar back as captain and believe this is the right time to give him another run at captaincy," the source said, as quoted by PTI.

Internal support for Babar's return to the captaincy is reportedly growing within the squad, which currently features a unique leadership dynamic. All three format captains are presently together on the tour of Bangladesh, including ODI skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi and T20I leader Salman Ali Agha. The proposed plan involves reinstating Babar as the Test captain immediately, with the long-term goal of preparing him to resume the ODI leadership ahead of next year's World Cup.

ALSO READ: 'His absence will be a big plus for RCB': Mohammad Kaif on KKR star ahead of Raipur showdown

Babar Azam's track record as Pakistan captain

This move would mark another chapter in Babar’s complex history with the role; he previously led Pakistan across all formats from 2019 until his resignation following the 2023 World Cup in India. Although he briefly returned to lead the T20 side for the 2024 World Cup, he stepped down again following the team's disappointing performance in that tournament.

Meanwhile, the fallout from the first Test defeat has left Shan Masood deeply discouraged, leading him to reconsider his professional future. Sources suggest he is now seriously weighing a transition into an administrative role with PCB. Last year, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi offered Masood the position of Director of International Cricket and Player Affairs—an offer he originally declined to finish the current World Test Championship cycle, but one that now appears back on the table.