Aqib Javed reveals why Babar Azam was appointed Test captain

Pakistan’s director of high performance Aaqib Javed has explained the reasoning that led to the appointment of Babar Azam as Test captain, saying that recurring issues in leadership and game management during Shan Masood’s tenure forced the change.

Speaking on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) podcast, Javed said that the management settled on Babar because he could offer stability during a demanding stretch of overseas tours.

“We have brought Babar Azam back because the same problems kept recurring. Whether it was in Australia, South Africa, the West Indies or, most recently, Bangladesh, the opposition’s tailenders continued to frustrate us,” Javed said.

“The conditions and bowlers changed, but the outcome remained the same and that pointed towards issues in leadership and game management.”

Javed also outlined the board’s longer-term plans for Babar, indicating that PCB wants to give him an extended run at the helm rather than a short-term fix.

“I believe Babar is mature enough to lead the team again. He is one of our key players and our plan is to give him a two to three-year run as captain. Every captain brings a fresh mindset and we expect him to inspire the team through his own performances,” the former fast bowler said.

Babar takes over the Test captaincy for the second time, having previously led the side between 2020 and 2023. He replaces Masood, who stepped down after a difficult 16-Test tenure.

Masood won four Tests and lost 12 during his time in charge. His reign began with a 3-0 series defeat in Australia and ended with a 2-0 home series loss to Bangladesh in May this year. His only series win came against England in 2024, a 2-1 victory at home.

Pakistan leaves for the West Indies on 13 July where it will open the tour with a four-day warm-up match starting 18 July. The two-match Test series follows, with the first Test in Trinidad and Tobago from 25 to 29 July and the second from 2 to 6 August.

The team then travels to England for a three-match series. The first Test starts at Headingley on 19 August and runs until 23 August. The second Test follows at Lord’s from 27 to 31 August, before the series concludes at Edgbaston from 9 to 13 September.