Ahmed Shehzad questions Babar Azam's return as Test captain

KARACHI: Pakistan Test cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has taken aim at Babar Azam' s return to captaincy of the team, saying that the former skipper’s love for leadership is behind his repeated returns to the role.

During a recent interview with Geo News, Shehzad questioned Azam's decision to return as Pakistan's Test captain, claiming the role comes with significant privileges and suggesting that personal ambition, rather than national interest, influenced the move.

"Some cities were cruel, and some were struggling for years. Babar Azam has a passion for captaincy. Obviously, there is stardom and influence that comes with being a captain. You get a better room, the whole team stands behind you, and you receive more daily allowances," Shehzad said.

He further argued that Babar was eager to reclaim the leadership despite previous setbacks, dismissing the notion that the decision was made solely for the benefit of Pakistan cricket.

"He was so excited that even after failing two or three times, he decided to take up the captaincy again. Please don't say that this was done for the country. There were no records or achievements that required you to take the captaincy for the country's sake," he stated.

The remarks came after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Babar's return as Pakistan's red-ball captain for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England.

The 31-year-old previously captained Pakistan in 20 Tests during his first stint from 2020 to 2023 and now replaces experienced top-order batter Shan Masood.

Masood's tenure lasted 16 Tests, in which Pakistan registered four victories and suffered 12 defeats, finishing with a win percentage of 25.

His captaincy began with a 3-0 series defeat in Australia following his appointment ahead of Pakistan's tour in late 2023.

Pakistan also endured one of their most disappointing Test campaigns under Masood, suffering a 2-0 home series defeat to Bangladesh. Across seven Test series, his only series victory came in a 2-1 home triumph over England in 2024.

Meanwhile, the national team is scheduled to depart for the West Indies on 13 July, where it will play a four-day warm-up match starting on 18 July.

The two-match Test series against the West Indies will be played in Trinidad and Tobago. The opening Test is scheduled from 25 to 29 July, while the second will take place from 2 to 6 August.

Following the Caribbean tour, Pakistan will travel to England for a three-match Test series.

The opening Test will be held at Headingley in Leeds from 19 to 23 August, followed by the second at Lord's from 27 to 31 August. The series will conclude with the third and final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham from 9 to 13 September.