KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to give a long time in support of Babar Azam’s return as Pakistan’s Test captain.
Speaking in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Raja insisted that the star batsman should continue to take responsibility for scoring.
He also said Babur needed stability in the role rather than another short-term appointment, adding that his leadership would only be successful if he justified his position as the team’s leading batsman with consistent match-winning performances.
“Babar has to give a long run as Assam captain. He is the best batsman in this team and he has to keep scoring big runs. His reputation is also at stake,” Raja said.
The comments 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 in his debut from 2020 to 2023 and now replaces experienced top-order batsman Shaun Masood.
Masood’s tenure spanned 16 Tests in which Pakistan recorded four wins and 12 losses, finishing with a win percentage of 25.
His captaincy began with a 3-0 series defeat in Australia following his appointment ahead of the tour of Pakistan in late 2023.
Pakistan endured one of their most disappointing Test campaigns under Masood, losing 2-0 to Bangladesh. In seven Test series, his only series win came in 2024 in a 2-1 home win over England.
Meanwhile, the national team is scheduled to leave for the West Indies on July 13, where it will play a four-day practice match from July 18.
The two-match Test series against the West Indies will be played in Trinidad and Tobago. The opening Test will be played from July 25 to 29 and the second from August 2 to 6.
Following the Caribbean tour, Pakistan travel to England for a three-match Test series.
The opening Test will be played at Headingley, Leeds from August 19 to 23, while the second Test will be played at Lord’s from August 27 to 31. The series will conclude with the third and final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.