PCB eyes replacement to lead Pakistan\u2019s Test squad after Shan Masood\u2019s poor run in WTC and inconsistent leadership
\n Islamabad
\nThe Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly set to make a major leadership shift, with a replacement expected to follow Shan Masood as the Test captain ahead of Pakistan\u2019s home series against South Africa in October.
\nSources close to the PCB revealed that Saud Shakeel is under-consideration for Test captaincy, although no official announcement has been made.
\nThe change is part of a broader overhaul of Pakistan\u2019s red-ball cricket structure, which may also include a revamp of the Test coaching staff.
\nShan Masood, who took over the Test reins in November 2023, has overseen a challenging run for Pakistan.
\nUnder his captaincy, the team has managed just three wins in 12 Tests, suffering nine defeats. Their campaign in the ICC World Test Championship 2023\u201325 has been especially poor, with Pakistan languishing in ninth place on the points table.
\nThe team endured whitewashes against Australia, Bangladesh, and South Africa, and managed series wins only against Sri Lanka and England.
\nA drawn series against the West Indies did little to offset growing concerns about leadership and tactical execution.
\nBy contrast, Saud Shakeel has emerged as a stabilising figure in the Test middle order, averaging over 50 since his debut. His consistency and calm demeanour have drawn praise from selectors, who now view him as a long-term leadership candidate.
\nShakeel\u2019s recent captaincy of the Quetta Gladiators in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 has further strengthened his case. He led the side to the top of the table with six wins in nine matches, demonstrating maturity and strategic acumen under pressure.
\nThe PCB\u2019s interest in Shakeel reportedly stems from his ability to balance individual performance with team leadership \u2014 something they see as essential for rebuilding Pakistan\u2019s Test identity.
\nPakistan\u2019s next Test challenge begins in October 2025, when South Africa tours for a multi-format series including two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. The leadership decision is expected to be formalised well ahead of the series to allow time for transition and preparation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PCB eyes replacement to lead Pakistan\u2019s Test squad after Shan Masood\u2019s poor run in WTC and inconsistent leadership Islamabad The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly set to make a major leadership shift, with a replacement expected to follow Shan Masood as the Test captain ahead of Pakistan\u2019s home series against South Africa in October. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":478857,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-478829","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports"},"yoast_head":"\n