LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and coach Jason Gillespie have confidence in Shan Masood to continue as the national team’s Test captain ahead of a packed international season, but a decision on Babar Azam’s leadership role in the white-ball formats has been reserved.
Pakistan are scheduled to host England for three Test matches in October this year, with other matches scheduled against Bangladesh, South Africa and the West Indies.
The PCB met on Wednesday, attended by senior committee officials, national team selectors, Gillespie, white-ball coach Gary Kirsten and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, to discuss Pakistan’s weak performance in the recent T20 World Cup in the Americas.
“The meeting was held to discuss ways to take forward a comprehensive blueprint for the national team in the red and white ball format,” a source aware of the development said.
Masood, who was appointed Test captain ahead of the tour of Australia earlier this year, has been given full confidence.
“Shan received support at the meeting to continue as Test captain for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, England, South Africa and West Indies from August to January,” he said.
However, Babar’s performance as a captain and batsman was the subject of much discussion but his decision to captain the white-ball team was not made.
Sources said Babar faced criticism for his lack of strength and leadership skills in tight situations, especially during the T20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan fast bowler Sarfaraz Nawaz called for the dismissal of the entire selection committee, accusing them of collective incompetence in the run-up to the ICC’s marquee match.
“The selection committee has worked in a united manner and should be fired in a united manner for its failure and incompetence,” Nawaz said.
Nawaz said he had repeatedly told PCB officials not to award any managerial post to sacked selector Wahab Riaz.
“I am on record that I have written to Zaka (Ashraf) and (Mohsin) Naqvi about Wahab’s questionable past and incompetence as an administrator. No one listened to my suggestions.”
“It was well known that Wahab was incapable of delivering in any capacity, yet he was appointed as selector, adviser and supervisor. He has failed on all fronts,” he said.
Published July 11, 2024 10:09 IST
