KARACHI: Fresh media reports indicate that former Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam placed a strict prerequisite on returning to the national Test leadership, demanding a guarantee that he would eventually be reinstated as the all-format captain across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
With limited leadership alternatives available following a series of disappointing performances under current Test captain Shan Masood, selectors reportedly initiated direct discussions with Babar. Sources suggest that selectors offered verbal assurances that he could reclaim full command of all three formats, provided the team delivers stellar performances in their upcoming five Test matches against the West Indies and England. Insiders reveal that Babar’s long-standing ambition has always been to lead the national side comprehensively rather than restricting his return strictly to the red-ball format.
To recap the context, Babar voluntarily stepped down from leadership across all formats following the conclusion of the 2023 ODI World Cup, which subsequently paved the way for Shan Masood to lead the Test side and Shaheen Shah Afridi to manage the limited-overs squad. Reflecting on a potential second stint, Babar has voiced strong confidence in his preparedness, asserting that lessons learned from past challenges will guide his primary mission: driving Pakistan cricket toward greater international success.
Nevertheless, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to release any official statement or confirmation verifying these developments.
