KARACHI: Pakistan Test cricketer Ahmed Shezad has targeted Babar Azam’s return to the captaincy, saying the former skipper’s fondness for leadership is behind his repeated returns to the role.
During a recent interview with Jio NewsShehzad questioned Asam’s decision to return as Pakistan’s Test captain, saying the role comes with significant perks and that personal ambition rather than national interest influenced the move.
“Some cities are brutal and have been struggling for a few years. Babar Azam is interested in the captaincy. Being a captain comes with stardom and influence. You get a great room, the whole team stands behind you and you get daily allowances,” Shehzad said.
He further argued that despite previous setbacks, Babar was keen to regain the captaincy, dismissing the notion that the decision was solely in the interest of Pakistan cricket.
“He was excited because he decided to take up the captaincy again despite losing two or three times. Please don’t say he did it for the country. You don’t have achievements or achievements to take up the captaincy for the sake of the country,” he 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.