"Babar Azam Still Is The Leader Of The Team" - Shan Masood

Pakistan’s new Test team captain, Shan Masood, acknowledged Babar Azam’s extensive experience and leadership qualities. Shan Masood credited Babar Azam for his significant contributions to the team’s progress and expressed confidence in taking the team forward.

Babar Azam resigned from the captaincy across three formats after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2023 World Cup. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) named Shan Masood as the Test captain ahead of wicketkeeper-batter Mohammed Rizwan.

Babar Azam Had A Major Contribution – Shan Masood

Shan Masood expressed strong confidence in Babar Azam‘s leadership capabilities and highlighted his significant role in guiding the team’s progress. Masood stated that Azam remains the team’s leader even when he is not officially captaining the side.

“Babar has a vast experience since he has captained the side for four years and even when he isn’t the captain, he still is the leader of the team,” Masood said.

“He had a major contribution in taking this team forward. I think he will take this team forward from now onwards,” Masood asserted confidently.

Extremely Grateful To The PCB – Shan Masood

Shan Masood expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Pakistan team in red-ball cricket. He acknowledged the challenges of Test cricket and emphasized the responsibility of creating a unique identity and playing a brand of cricket that excites fans.

“It’s an honour and privilege to even play for Pakistan. As far leading Pakistan is concerned, I am extremely grateful to the cricket board, all stakeholders who saw the acumen in me to take this responsibility and take the team forward.”

“There will be challenges, red-ball cricket is the toughest format and I think it’s an onus on all of us to take Pakistan forward in red-ball cricket, create our own identity, formulate a blueprint, play a certain brand of cricket that excite our fans and when other teams play us, Pakistan will be recognized with that identity and brand of cricket.”

The opening batter represented the Pakistan team in 30 Test matches. The southpaw amassed 1,597 runs in 56 innings at an average of 28.51, with a best score of 156 runs. He has recorded four centuries and seven half-centuries in his red-ball international career.

Also read: Shaheen Afridi Named Pakistan T20I Captain, Shan Masood To Lead In Tests