LAHORE: As the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) prepares to finalize the squad for the England and West Indies tours, Pakistan Test captain Shaun Masood’s future is under consideration.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi will take the final decision on the Test captaincy, sources said, and discussions are underway on a possible change in captaincy ahead of claiming the red-ball duties soon.

Recently, media reports suggest that T20I captain Salman Ali Agha is being seriously considered for the Test captaincy of Pakistan and the upcoming tours.

Masood was named Pakistan’s Test captain ahead of the 2023 tour of Australia, where his tenure began with a 3–0 series defeat. Overall, he has led Pakistan in 16 Tests, winning four and losing 12, with a success rate of 25 per cent.

Under his leadership, Pakistan recently whitewashed the series 2-0 at home, marking a significant turnaround for the team. Since taking over, he has overseen seven Test series, including a 2-1 home win against England in 2024.

While the selectors are expected to announce the 17-man squad soon, reports suggest that the leadership question remains open and any final decision will be aligned with the PCB’s long-term red-ball restructuring plan.

The team is expected to leave for the West Indies on July 13, where they will play a four-day practice match from July 18.

The series will be held in Trinidad and Tobago from July 25-29 and August 2-6 respectively.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Test tour begins on August 19 at Headingley Leeds, followed by matches at Lord’s on August 27 and Edgbaston at Birmingham on September 9.

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