Pakistan Test captain change looms as PCB holds consultations following a damaging 2-0 series defeat to Bangladesh

Shan Masood’s tenure as Pakistan Test captain appears to be ending. The Pakistan Cricket Board is moving to find a successor following a humiliating 2-0 series defeat to Bangladesh. Sources confirm that the board has taken a decision in principle to remove Masood from the role. Moreover, formal talks over a Pakistan Test captain change are expected to begin ahead of the West Indies tour in July.

Pakistan head to the West Indies for a two-match Test series between July 15 and August 7. The PCB expects fixtures at the Queen’s Park Oval and the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Officials have not yet confirmed the full itinerary. Therefore, the board must move quickly to settle the captaincy question before the tour begins.

Masood’s record makes for uncomfortable reading. He took charge in 2023 before a three-Test series in Australia and lost all three matches. Things never recovered from there. In 16 Tests, he led Pakistan to four wins and 12 defeats — a win percentage of just 25. Furthermore, Bangladesh have now beaten Pakistan in three consecutive Tests under his watch. The numbers, therefore, build a damning case against continuing with him.

The Sylhet defeat followed a familiar script. Bangladesh wrapped up the series on the final morning. Pakistan needed 437 to win but fell for 358 in 97.2 overs. Rizwan fought hard with 94 off 166 balls. Sajid Khan contributed a quick 28. Still, the lower order could not hold on. Taijul Islam took 6/120. Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz shared the rest.

Whoever steps into the captaincy role next inherits a team crying out for direction and confidence. The West Indies series offers a genuine opportunity to reset. Finally, the PCB must now make one of its most important decisions in years — and get it right.