Babar Azam unlikely to be appointed as Pakistan's Test captain after T20 World Cup debacle - Reports

Pakistan were knocked out of the T20 World Cup and Babar Azam’s timid captaincy was one of the reasons for that.

Babar Azam will most likely not be continuing as the Pakistan T20I captain if reports are to be believed. This is due to Pakistan’s embarrassingly poor performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Further, he is also not expected to get back the Test captaincy.

Pakistan became the first full-member ICC team to lose a T20I to the USA, though in a Super Over. Then they failed to chase 120 runs against India, losing by 6 runs, from needing 48 in 48 balls with eight wickets in hand.

These two losses were enough for Pakistan to be in a dire position concerning the qualification for the Super 8 stage in the T20 World Cup 2024. Pakistan needed Ireland to defeat the USA in their group match, but the encounter in Florida was washed out due to rain and that ensured Pakistan were knocked out of the competition.

Pakistan still have one game in hand to save some pride as they will face Canada on June 16, 2024, in Florida as well.

Shan Masood to remain Pakistan Test captain as PCB disappointed with Babar Azam’s leadership

The likelihood of Babar Azam becoming the Test captain again suffered a significant hit when the USA eliminated Pakistan from the T20 World Cup. According to Geo News, Shan Masood will continue as Test captain for the two-match red-ball series against Bangladesh in August.

According to reports, the board is dissatisfied with Babar’s leadership following the T20 World Cup catastrophe. The Bangladesh series will be former Australian bowler Jason Gillespie’s first spell as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach.

Masood was chosen as Pakistan’s Test captain after Babar Azam decided to step down as captain in all formats following the ODI World Cup last year. Shaheen was chosen to replace Babar as the T20I captain.

Before the T20 World Cup began, Babar was reinstated as the T20I captain. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarded the shift as a “strategic move.”

However, PCB’s move did not work out as expected. Gary Kirsten was appointed as the white-ball head coach ahead of the competition to improve their chances.

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