(AP Photo)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and coach Jason Gillespie have affirmed their trust in Shan Masood to continue as the national team’s Test captain amidst a busy international season. However, they have deferred a decision on Babar Azam’s leadership role in limited-overs formats.
Pakistan’s upcoming schedule includes hosting England for a three-match Test series in October, along with fixtures against Bangladesh, South Africa, and the West Indies.
In a meeting held in Lahore on Wednesday, attended by senior board officials, national selectors, Gillespie, white-ball coach Gary Kirsten, and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, discussions focused on Pakistan’s performance in the recent T20 World Cup in the Americas.
“The meeting was held to discuss ways to move forward with a comprehensive blueprint for the national team in red and white ball formats,” indicated a source aware of the developments.
Masood, who assumed the Test captaincy prior to this year’s tour of Australia, has received full backing and confidence in his leadership role.
“Shan got the support at the meeting to continue as Test captain for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, England, South Africa and the West Indies between August and January,” he said.
Meanwhile, there was no resolution regarding Babar’s role as captain in white-ball cricket, despite extensive discussions about his performance both as a leader and batsman.
According to sources, Babar faced criticism for perceived weaknesses in strength and leadership, particularly evident during challenging moments such as the T20 World Cup.
In a separate development, former Pakistan fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz called for the dismissal of the entire selection committee, citing collective ineffectiveness in both the ICC tournament and its preparation.
“The selection committee has worked collectively and should be sacked collectively for their failure and incompetence,” said Nawaz.
Nawaz reiterated that he had repeatedly advised PCB officials against assigning any administrative responsibilities to the dismissed selector Wahab Riaz.
“I am on record to have written letters to Zaka (Ashraf) and (Mohsin) Naqvi regarding Wahab’s suspected past and his lack of abilities as an administrator. Nobody paid heed to my suggestion.
“I knew well that Wahab was not capable of delivering in any capacity yet he was made selector, advisor and manager. On all fronts he failed,” he said.
