LAHORE, Pakistan – Web Desk: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed has explained the decision to appoint Babar Azam as Pakistan’s new Test captain, saying the move was made to improve the team’s overall performance after inconsistent results under Shan Masood.
Speaking at a press conference alongside former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq and former Test cricketer Asad Shafiq, Aaqib Javed said that while Shan Masood performed well individually, the team’s results under his leadership did not meet expectations.
“A captain also carries responsibility for the team’s performance. Shan Masood’s individual performances were satisfactory, but the team was not producing the desired results. We decided to make a change in the hope of improving performances,” Aaqib said.
He added that Pakistan’s fast bowlers have experienced a noticeable drop in pace, describing it as a matter of concern for the team management.
Aaqib stressed that neither the PCB nor the selection committee wants to appoint a captain for only one series. He said leadership should be given continuity, provided the captain delivers consistent performances and results.
“If things are going well, there is no reason to make changes. Ideally, we want a captain to lead the team for two to three years, but that opportunity comes with consistent performances,” he said.
Meanwhile, Misbah-ul-Haq emphasized that consistency remains the key to success in international cricket. He said both a player’s and a captain’s performances must be evaluated over time rather than on isolated results.
Referring to Babar Azam, Misbah said the star batter had answered critics of his T20 strike rate with his performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He added that Babar remains valuable across all three formats and should continue to be considered for every format of the game.
Misbah also dismissed suggestions that players left out of the latest Test squad had reached the end of their international careers. He said fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi should play more first-class cricket to regain their rhythm in red-ball cricket.
The PCB recently announced Babar Azam as Pakistan’s Test captain for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England.
