Shan Masood, who stepped in as the Pakistan Test cricket team’s captain after Babar Azam, might soon lose his role. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering a captaincy change due to Masood’s poor record as a captain. If reports from the Pakistani media are to be believed, Mohammad Rizwan is likely to take over the Test captaincy, replacing Masood.
Struggles Under Shan Masood’s Leadership
Since Shan Masood took over the captaincy, the Pakistani Test team has not been able to secure a single victory. In fact, the team has lost all five Test matches under his leadership, a record that has put immense pressure on him. The recent series loss to Australia and a home series whitewash by Bangladesh, where Pakistan lost 2-0, has added fuel to the growing criticism of Masood’s captaincy. The PCB is reportedly unhappy with these poor results, and now, discussions are in full swing regarding the change in leadership.
Mohammad Rizwan: The Likely Successor
Mohammad Rizwan is now being considered the frontrunner to replace Shan Masood as the captain of the Test team. His consistent performances across all formats have caught the attention of the PCB. Rizwan has proven himself not only as a skilled wicketkeeper but also as a reliable batsman.
In Test cricket, Rizwan has played 52 innings and scored 1,910 runs at an impressive average of 44.41. His performances in One Day Internationals (ODIs) are also commendable, with over 2,000 runs at an average of 40. Rizwan’s T20 record is equally impressive, boasting an average of over 48 with 3,313 runs. These numbers highlight his capability as a versatile player, which may now lead him to captaincy in not just Test matches, but possibly in all three formats – Tests, ODIs, and T20s.
Babar Azam’s Decline in Form
Babar Azam, the previous captain, has also been struggling with form, which adds to the speculation about Rizwan’s possible appointment as captain across formats. Under Babar’s leadership, Pakistan faced an early exit in the T20 World Cup after a shocking loss to the USA. The performance of the entire team has been underwhelming, and Rizwan’s steady form stands out in comparison to both Babar and Shan Masood.
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PCB’s Disappointment with Recent Losses
The recent loss to Bangladesh at home has been particularly upsetting for the PCB. A 2-0 defeat at the hands of Bangladesh, a team considered to be lower in the rankings, has led to dissatisfaction within the PCB regarding the current leadership structure. Losing at home is always tough, but getting clean swept by Bangladesh was a result that few could have predicted, and it is this loss that may have sealed Shan Masood’s fate as Test captain.
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Rizwan’s All-Round Abilities Make Him the Right Choice
The PCB’s interest in Mohammad Rizwan as the next captain seems logical given his exceptional performance in recent times. At 32 years old, Rizwan has become one of the most reliable and talented cricketers in the Pakistani team. His ability to perform under pressure, both as a batsman and as a wicketkeeper, makes him an ideal candidate for the leadership role. Additionally, Rizwan’s calm demeanor and cricketing intelligence have earned him respect both on and off the field.
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Apart from his excellent batting statistics, Rizwan has also demonstrated a sharp cricketing mind, which could be a huge asset in leading the team. His experience and consistency make him a valuable player, and under his leadership, Pakistan may find the stability it needs, especially in the longer format of the game.
What’s Next for Shan Masood?
While Rizwan seems set to take over, Shan Masood’s future in the Test team itself looks uncertain. His form with the bat has been less than satisfactory, with his Test batting average below 30. The failure to perform as a captain has only added to the pressure on him. With tough competition for places in the squad and Rizwan’s likely appointment, Masood may even lose his spot in the playing XI if his form does not improve.
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Pakistan’s Upcoming Matches
Pakistan’s next big challenge will be the Champions ODI Cup, followed by a three-match Test series against England at home. If Rizwan is indeed given the captaincy, the series against England will be his first major test as captain. Rizwan’s leadership will be under scrutiny as the team faces a strong England side.
This decision on captaincy is crucial for the future of Pakistan cricket, and fans will be eagerly waiting for PCB’s final call. Whether Shan Masood gets another chance or Rizwan takes over, it is clear that changes are coming to Pakistan’s cricket team.
