Babar Azam likely to be sacked as Pakistan captain from two formats after a dismal home season - Reports

Pakistan all-format captain Babar Azam is likely to be sacked from his position from at least two of the formats after their horrific run in the home season 2022-23. According to a report in Cricket Pakistan, Babar’s captaincy has come under the scanner after Pakistan failed to win a single Test across three series against Australia, England and New Zealand at home.

Decisions regarding the captaincy and the tenure of the head coach and bowling coach are expected to be made at the end of the home season. Interim Chairman Najam Sethi's recent decision to make Shan Masood vice-captain is also expected to be indicative of a possible change in the leadership. It has also been reportedly decided to reduce Babar Azam's influence in all three formats. Even earlier, reports were circulating that separate captains can be appointed for the national cricket team in all three formats.

The cricketing body is all set to review and analyze its team structures for all three formats. This could certainly impact Babar Azam and his stature as the skipper of the team across formats. The senior officials in the board have indicated that they intend to challenge the status quo. This might result in Babar losing his captaincy in one format or the other.

Shan Masood is a strong contender to replace Babar Azam as the captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team in ODI and test cricket. The Pakistan Cricket Board expects some important and big decisions in the upcoming period, which includes captain, coach, bowling coach, and support staff.

Shan Masood returned to ODI squad after 2019

Masood was recently recalled to the ODI squad after a gap of three years having last played an ODI back in 2019. The PCB was also in talks with Mickey Arthur, but he turned down the offer to coach the men's cricket team for the second time.

Najam Sethi was appointed as the interim chairman of the PCB last month as Ramiz Raja was sacked from his position. The Sethi-led management started by sacking the selection committee headed by Mohammad Wasim and brought former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi as the interim chairman of selectors.