Former selector Aqib Javed outlines PCB’s unanimous decision to reappoint Babar Azam as Pakistan’s Test captain

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reappointed Babar Azam as the captain of the national Test side ahead of the challenging tours of the West Indies and England. Selector Aqib Javed revealed that the decision was reached unanimously after extensive discussions. The move restores Babar to Test leadership after Shan Masood was replaced, while former captain Misbah-ul-Haq has also expressed his support, insisting the star batter remains indispensable across all three formats of the game.

Addressing the media at Gaddafi Stadium following the PCB’s official announcement, Aqib said the selectors examined every option before identifying Babar Azam as the optimal choice to lead the Test side.

Aqib noted that the committee’s main goal was to find the player best equipped to lead Pakistan in Test cricket during the two forthcoming demanding overseas tours. He added that despite extensive debate, the panel ultimately reached unanimous agreement on a single candidate.

Aqib explained, “The selection committee convened for thorough discussions and evaluated which player could be the best Test captain. After extensive deliberation, the committee made a single recommendation – Babar Azam. That is it,” he said, according to GeosuperTV.

Babar’s appointment restores his role as Test captain, a position he previously held from 2020 to 2023. In that period, he led Pakistan in 20 Tests, achieving 10 wins, six losses and four draws. His wealth of experience is considered vital as Pakistan prepares for crucial away series in the Caribbean and England.

Aqib Javed outlines the selection committee’s unanimous decision to reappoint Babar Azam as Pakistan’s Test captain

Misbah-ul-Haq endorses Babar across all formats

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq welcomed the decision, stating that Babar’s recent performances have dispelled doubts about his place in the national side. He noted that concerns over Babar’s T20I strike rate have been addressed by his impressive campaign in the latest Pakistan Super League, where he emerged as the tournament’s leading run‑scorer and captained his side to the title, underscoring his suitability for ongoing leadership duties.

“The sole reservation about Babar Azam’s selection earlier pertained to his T20I strike rate. However, his performance in the recent PSL demonstrated clear improvement, and he remains immensely valuable in the shorter format, having finished as the tournament’s top scorer and led his team to victory,” Misbah remarked.

Misbah added that Babar remains one of Pakistan’s most reliable cricketers across all formats, and that his role should be decided by future team selections rather than lingering doubts about his abilities. He highlighted Babar’s established record in ODIs and his Test achievements, while acknowledging that the batter still has room to elevate his performance further. Describing him as Pakistan’s most technically refined batsman, Misbah praised his enduring consistency.

The former captain emphasized that the management’s duty is to give Babar clarity, confidence and a defined role that enables him to deliver the performances that have made him one of Pakistan’s most influential cricketers. As the West Indies and England tours approach, PCB believes that appointing an experienced leader offers the best prospect of success in the red‑ball format.

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