Babar Azam has been reappointed as Pakistan's Test captain, replacing Shan Masood ahead of the two-match Test series against the West Indies later this
month. The decision marks Babar's second stint as Test skipper after previously stepping down from the role in 2023.
Masood's tenure comes to an end after a disappointing run in charge. Appointed nearly three years ago, the left-hander led Pakistan in 16 Tests, losing 12 of them. Among Pakistan captains who have led the side in more than 10 Tests, only Misbah-ul-Haq has suffered more defeats, with 19 losses in 56 matches. Pakistan also finished Masood's reign on a seven-match losing streak, equalling the longest losing run in the team's Test history.
Masood's captaincy began with a 3-0 series defeat in Australia before Pakistan endured a historic 2-0 home loss to Bangladesh, their first-ever Test series defeat against the Tigers. The only bright spot of his tenure came with a memorable home series victory over England later that year. It remained Pakistan's sole series win under his leadership, as they lost four of the seven series they played during his tenure and finished at the bottom of the World Test Championship 2023-25 standings.
Despite the team's struggles, Masood's individual batting form improved as captain. His Test average rose to 34.06, compared to 28.51 before taking over the leadership. During that period, he scored two centuries, including one in South Africa, and registered seven half-centuries, with two fifties coming in the same Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Pakistan's decision to turn back to Babar reflects the Pakistan Cricket Board's limited leadership options. Although Babar has endured a lean run with the bat since relinquishing the captaincy, particularly in Tests where he has averaged just over 27 under Masood, he remains the country's most experienced leadership candidate.
During his first stint as Test captain, Babar led Pakistan in 20 matches, winning 10 while averaging 50 with the bat. However, his tenure also included the team's historic 3-0 home series whitewash against England, Pakistan's first-ever home whitewash in Test cricket.
Babar now returns to the role ahead of a demanding schedule. Following the West Indies series, Pakistan will travel to England for a three-match Test series—their first tour of the country in six years, before hosting New Zealand and Sri Lanka during a busy home season later this year.
