If Shan Masood steps down, who can be the next Test captain of Pakistan?

[FearlessRoar]

Shan Masood’s time as Pakistan’s Test captain has been challenging. In the 10 matches he has led, Pakistan managed to win only 2 and lost 8, giving him a win-loss ratio of 0.25. These numbers might look disappointing, but it’s important to consider the context. Shan took over a team struggling with internal issues, a depleted bowling attack, and tough opponents like Australia. Despite these challenges, he worked hard to bring positivity and unity to the dressing room.

Shan’s leadership style has focused on supporting his players and shielding them from criticism. He has emphasized the importance of team spirit, often standing by his teammates even during tough times. For instance, when Sarfaraz Ahmed was dropped for Mohammad Rizwan, Shan explained the reasoning behind Sarfaraz’s inclusion earlier, showing his respect and care for the players. He also tried to introduce an attacking mindset in the team, both in batting and field placements. While this approach brought moments of promise, the team’s overall performance remained inconsistent.

With a win-loss ratio of 0.25 as captain, Shan Masood’s leadership is undoubtedly under threat. The PCB might decide to replace him, or he could step down voluntarily. If this happens, Pakistan’s next captain must bring stability and a clear vision to guide the team forward.

Who do you think should be Pakistan’s next Test captain?

 

[FearlessRoar]

Polls added

 

[Kianig89]

One and only one Babar Azam no other suitable option available

@Rana @emranabbas

Views please

 

[YousafTheBeast]

One and only one Babar Azam no other suitable option available

@Rana @emranabbas

Views please

Is that based on his performances or based on his previous tenure as captain?

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Babar Azam is massively overated as captain, that's quite a shame his selections has been controversial since the dark ages era

Do we want to go back to the dark ages era?

 

[Rana]

Do we want to go back to the dark ages era?

Apparently Rizwan will be the Imam of light.

 

[Devadwal]

Rizwan is only choice and he deserves it.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Apparently Rizwan will be the Imam of light.

Funny thing is, his fans will actually call him a mediocre player without even realising it, “oh there’s no alternative keeper”

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Pakistan play so little test cricket & that too so sporadically that having a test captain who only plays one format is just unfair. You play two matches and for the next three months you can go on a detox visit to Falkland island by a yacht & still not be missed by anyone.

If Pak is going to continue with the Shan experiment, they either need to play him in one of the formats or they can just pick a player who at least plays two formats if not all three.

 

[emranabbas]

One and only one Babar Azam no other suitable option available

@Rana @emranabbas

Views please

Performance should be the top priority when selecting a captain. Since Shan took over the captaincy, he has significantly outperformed Babar.

Shan averages in the 40s, while Babar's average hovers around 30. If Rizwan's performance against Bangladesh is excluded, his average barely reaches 30 as well. Additionally, Agha's average is also in the 40s.

My 2 picks would be shan or agha based on performance.

The loss in South Africa was inevitable, regardless of who the captain or coach was, due to the lackluster bowling performance.

Pakistan has now lost 20 consecutive Tests against New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia. Rizwan and Babar featured in 17 of those matches, with Babar captaining most of them and Rizwan leading in one. Yet, neither managed to secure a single win during this streak.

Unfair to blame shan

 

[mominsaigol]

Is shan steps down then just be brave with your decisons and appoint saud.

You appointed saud as vc. Just stick with it. Irrespective of what happened with dolphins

 

[Rana]

Performance should be the top priority when selecting a captain

Low performance but good spirituality and wholesomeness will do as well.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Saud is your VC but PCB might opt out for rizwan here.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Rizwan is only choice and he deserves it.

What about Salman Ali Agha? He is already excelling in the red-ball format and is thoroughly committed to red-ball cricket.

 

[emranabbas]

Who thinks If rizwan captained vs south africa, Pakistan would have won both tests?

Maybe it needs it's own thread

 

[Devadwal]

What about Salman Ali Agha? He is already excelling in the red-ball format and is thoroughly committed to red-ball cricket.

I don't see much future of Agha even though he has done decently in red Ball cricket so far.

 

[mominsaigol]

Who thinks If rizwan captained vs south africa, Pakistan would have won both tests?

Maybe it needs it's own thread

Rizwan can only win odi series or test series at home. Odi series aren't taken seriously anymore and are just part time practise for ct or wc events.

T20 series, unless it's a minnow he doesn't stand a chance. Even if a prodigy comes along, as long as 2 accumulators are batting at 1 and 3, it isn't possible.

Test home series anyone can win if you have sajid khan + noman and prepare uae type wickets. Only problem would be India who play spin well and maybe aus as they have Steve smith who can honestly dominate anyone if he's in the mood to.

Pakistan and India don't play tests and aus isn't gonna tour for a while. They ain't interested in pakistan anymore.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Shan must stay for a bit

 

[Rana]

Until you have Babar and Rizwan in the side, no other captain will be allowed time to grow.

If Babar and Rizwan retire from Tests, the leniency towards everyone else will also increase by a huge margin. Understand the nature of the beast.

 

[Kianig89]

Yes performance is what matters

Babar Azam as Test Captain
P 20 W 10 L 6 D 4

Shan Masood P 10 W 2 D 0 L 8

Take your pick

 

[emranabbas]

Yes performance is what matters

Babar Azam as Test Captain
P 20 W 10 L 6 D 4

Shan Masood P 10 W 2 D 0 L 8

Take your pick

It would be helpful to include details about the teams Babar played against compared to those Shan faced, as well as whether the matches were home or away Tests.

 

[Kianig89]

It would be helpful to include details about the teams Babar played against compared to those Shan faced, as well as whether the matches were home or away Tests.

Ño this is lame excuses Test cricket is no joke infact Shan played Bangladesh at home and got whitewashed

 

[Kianig89]

Babar Azam average as Test Captain 44.11

Shan Masood average as Test Captain around 30ish

Babar 2-0 Shan

 

[Rana]

Babar Azam average as Test Captain 44.11

Shan Masood average as Test Captain around 30ish

Babar 2-0 Shan

Who asked Babar to step down from Test captaincy?

 

[Kianig89]

Who asked Babar to step down from Test captaincy?

Please stay on topic this is business stuff

 

[Rana]

Please stay on topic this is business stuff

Lol, this is on topic

You are arguing Babar is a better captain than Shan, so I am asking you who asked him to step down?

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Javed Burki

 

[Kianig89]

Lol, this is on topic

You are arguing Babar is a better captain than Shan, so I am asking you who asked him to step down?

Im saying if Shan is removed or steps down , Babar should be appointed Test Captain. No need to dig old holes

 

[Extra_Cover]

In my opinion test matches is where a captain has the biggest contribution to a result. In T20s and even to an extent in ODI we can get away with bad captaincy however in test matches if there is a good captain onboard it makes a big difference to the overall result.

Mohammad Rizwan should be the next test captain. In his limited stint as a captain in Australia and South Africa I have seen enough to know that this guy is a proactive captain and actually has a plan and sets field according to that plan. He can be innovative at times too. We have been far too reactionary in terms of cricket, since Inzi's captaincy era we have always had a reactionary captain except for a brief stint when we had Salman Butt.

With test matches being so important its also important to have a different coaching setup with Rizwan. I don't like Aqib's attitude and favouritism. If we have a decent coaching setup we might have more success with Rizwan.

 

[Rana]

Im saying if Shan is removed or steps down , Babar should be appointed Test Captain. No need to dig old holes

Why are you evading the question? Who asked Babar to step down in the first place?

 

[Kianig89]

Why are you evading the question? Who asked Babar to step down in the first place?

Again not relevant here we are looking of options if Shan goes.

 

[mominsaigol]

Please stay on topic this is business stuff

Business stuff? What business?

 

[BouncerGuy]

STay on topic guys

 

[Rana]

In my opinion test matches is where a captain has the biggest contribution to a result. In T20s and even to an extent in ODI we can get away with bad captaincy however in test matches if there is a good captain onboard it makes a big difference to the overall result.

Mohammad Rizwan should be the next test captain. In his limited stint as a captain in Australia and South Africa I have seen enough to know that this guy is a proactive captain and actually has a plan and sets field according to that plan. He can be innovative at times too. We have been far too reactionary in terms of cricket, since Inzi's captaincy era we have always had a reactionary captain except for a brief stint when we had Salman Butt.

With test matches being so important its also important to have a different coaching setup with Rizwan. I don't like Aqib's attitude and favouritism. If we have a decent coaching setup we might have more success with Rizwan.

NZ vs PAK Cricket Scorecard, 2nd Test at Christchurch, January 03 - 06, 2021

Get cricket scorecard of 2nd Test, NZ vs PAK, New Zealand v Pakistan 2020/21 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch dated January 03 - 06, 2021.

www.espncricinfo.com

 

[Rana]

Again not relevant here we are looking of options if Shan goes.

It is 100% relevant when you keep shoving Babar down our throats as a potential replacement.

Again, I repeat the question, who asked Babar to step down in the first place?

 

[mominsaigol]

NZ vs PAK Cricket Scorecard, 2nd Test at Christchurch, January 03 - 06, 2021

Get cricket scorecard of 2nd Test, NZ vs PAK, New Zealand v Pakistan 2020/21 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch dated January 03 - 06, 2021.

www.espncricinfo.com

Oh yeah he had shan masood bowl in this game

 

[Rana]

Oh yeah he had shan masood bowl in this game

He is innovative and sets fields accordingly

 

[Kianig89]

It is 100% relevant when you keep shoving Babar down our throats as a potential replacement.

Again, I repeat the question, who asked Babar to step down in the first place?

Gave you 3 facts

Babar as captain has better W/L than Shan
Babar as captain better average than Shan
Babar as captain better batsman than Shan

Infact it's Babar 3-0 Shan

 

[Devadwal]

Yes performance is what matters

Babar Azam as Test Captain
P 20 W 10 L 6 D 4

Shan Masood P 10 W 2 D 0 L 8

Take your pick

Now please explain it further. Home and away record and apposition team as well.

 

[Kianig89]

Now please explain it further. Home and away record and apposition team as well.

Bhai صاحب, Shan got whitewashed at home vs Bangladesh enough said

 

[DeadlyVenom]

In my opinion test matches is where a captain has the biggest contribution to a result. In T20s and even to an extent in ODI we can get away with bad captaincy however in test matches if there is a good captain onboard it makes a big difference to the overall result.

Mohammad Rizwan should be the next test captain. In his limited stint as a captain in Australia and South Africa I have seen enough to know that this guy is a proactive captain and actually has a plan and sets field according to that plan. He can be innovative at times too. We have been far too reactionary in terms of cricket, since Inzi's captaincy era we have always had a reactionary captain except for a brief stint when we had Salman Butt.

With test matches being so important its also important to have a different coaching setup with Rizwan. I don't like Aqib's attitude and favouritism. If we have a decent coaching setup we might have more success with Rizwan.

Why couldn't he show this innovation in T20 matches?

The test team needs someone patient and intelligent, and in my opinion ideally someone who won't be distracted by LOI cricket.

 

[Rana]

Gave you 3 facts

Babar as captain has better W/L than Shan
Babar as captain better average than Shan
Babar as captain better batsman than Shan

Infact it's Babar 3-0 Shan

That’s not the answer to my question. With all your facts in place, what is the fact behind Babar’s removal in the first place? Who asked him to step down? It’s a very simple question.

 

[Devadwal]

Bhai صاحب, Shan got whitewashed at home vs Bangladesh enough said

Yes i know shan records but i want to know babar record as well with home and away along with apposition team's.

 

[Kianig89]

That’s not the answer to my question. With all your facts in place, what is the fact behind Babar’s removal in the first place? Who asked him to step down? It’s a very simple question.

You are irritating a genuine debate , first admit you know Babar is better choice than Shan accept your surrender

 

[Rana]

Why couldn't he show this innovation in T20 matches?

The OP absolved himself from this question by saying “In T20s and even to an extent in ODI we can get away with bad captaincy”.

But then the op states: “In his limited stint as a captain in Australia and South Africa I have seen enough to know that this guy is a proactive captain and actually has a plan and sets field according to that plan”


So Rizwan can get away with bad captaincy when he wants in white ball cricket, but the good parts warrant that he becomes Test captain.

 

[IMMY69]

Let's think outside of the box and appoint two captains.
Babar & Rizwan should be made joint captains and in the event of a disagreement Aqiq or Naqvi (via WhatsApp) can have the casting vote.

 

[Rana]

You are irritating a genuine debate , first admit you know Babar is better choice than Shan accept your surrender

No, I am always adding true context to false narratives.

I could care less who is a better choice than who. I am not emotionally invested in this team like you are. Just answer the question I posed to you. Give an excuse for it as well to justify it if you want, but simply answer the question.

Who asked Babar to step down from Test captaincy in the first place?

 

[Kianig89]

No, I am always adding true context to false narratives.

I could care less who is a better choice than who. I am not emotionally invested in this team like you are. Just answer the question I posed to you. Give an excuse for it as well to justify it if you want, but simply answer the question.

Who asked Babar to step down from Test captaincy in the first place?

He resigned from Test captaincy in a hope the successor will take the team forward but 10 games later what it is , whitewashed by Bangladesh only 2.wins in 10 games

 

[Rana]

He resigned from Test captaincy in a hope the successor will take the team forward but 10 games later what it is , whitewashed by Bangladesh only 2.wins in 10 games

So no one pointed a gun to his head to step down? They wanted him to continue as Test captain didn’t they?

 

[Devadwal]

Babar's record as a test captain

Series Won 2-0 vs South Africa (Home)
Series Won 2-0 vs Zimbabwe (Away)
Series Draw 1-1 vs Westindies (Away)
Series Won 2-0 vs Bangladesh (Away)
Series Lost 0-1 vs Australia (Home)
Series Draw 1-1 vs Sri Lanka (Away)
Series Lost 0-3 vs England (Home)
Series Draw 0-0 vs New Zealand (Home)
Series Won 2-0 vs Sri Lanka (Away)

@Kianig89

 

[Kianig89]

Babar's record as a test captain

Series Won 2-0 vs South Africa (Home)
Series Won 2-0 vs Zimbabwe (Away)
Series Draw 1-1 vs Westindies (Away)
Series Won 2-0 vs Bangladesh (Away)
Series Lost 0-1 vs Australia (Home)
Series Draw 1-1 vs Sri Lanka (Away)
Series Lost 0-3 vs England (Home)
Series Draw 0-0 vs New Zealand (Home)
Series Won 2-0 vs Sri Lanka (Away)

@Kianig89

Thank you

Definitely better than Shan Massod , keep it mind Ramiz didn't cracked a code regarding pitches during that time.

Leave that aside , still better record than Shan's

 

[emranabbas]

Ño this is lame excuses Test cricket is no joke infact Shan played Bangladesh at home and got whitewashed

in that series Babar just scored 64 runs in 4 innings that too in home conditions and you want him captain lol

wouldn't be surprised if Babar purposely underperformed to make shan look bad

maybe if Babar performed in that test series shan would have won that test

 

[Rana]

in that series Babar just scored 64 runs in 4 innings that too in home conditions and you want him captain lol

wouldn't be surprised if Babar purposely underperformed to make shan look bad

maybe if Babar performed in that test series shan would have won that test

Bro please understand

It was a saazish against Babar

 

[Kianig89]

No point debating it further , keep on with self made theories.

How many player have captain Pakistan with their father being an influential figure in PCB.

 

[Rana]

No point debating it further , keep on with self made theories.

Oh yaar naraaz na ho

You said saazish when asked the simple question of was Babar asked to step down in the first place? The onus to prove the self made theories is on you in this case.

The fact is, Babar was not asked to step down from Test captaincy. That’s not a self made theory, unless you have solid proof that this claim is either wrong or solid proof that there was a inner conspiracy against him.

 

[emranabbas]

Bro please understand

It was a saazish against Babar

Need to move on from this babar rizwan BS they both had good 10 years to do something for pakistan cricket and they both failed badly.

The focus now should be on the future identifying and nurturing new talent to build a stronger team moving forward.

But these lot want to cling on babar rizwan and damage Pakistan cricket even further

 

[Kianig89]

Oh yaar naraaz na ho

You said saazish when asked the simple question of was Babar asked to step down in the first place? The onus to prove the self made theories is on you in this case.

The fact is, Babar was not asked to step down from Test captaincy. That’s not a self made theory, unless you have solid proof that this claim is either wrong or solid proof that there was a inner conspiracy against him.

Ok , let's respect each other views.
Shan needs to win 2-0 against WI to make his case strong

 

[Rana]

Ok , let's respect each other views.
Shan needs to win 2-0 against WI to make his case strong

I could honestly care less. Make Rizwan captain now and let him lose 2-0, it won’t change a thing for me.

 

[emranabbas]

Ok , let's respect each other views.
Shan needs to win 2-0 against WI to make his case strong

I'm quite confident Pakistan will win the series now that we've moved away from creating tailor-made pitches designed to boost Babar's average.

 

[sweep_shot]

I think Salman Ali Agha or Rizwan can be the next captain.

 

[daytrader]

Rizwan will be our new Kaptaana. The real question is who will replace Shan the batter

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Rizwan looks to be the next captain but I think Saud could be a good option too in future.

 

[emranabbas]

Rizwan will be our new Kaptaana. The real question is who will replace Shan the batter

Kaptaana shanna isn't going anywhere

 

[DeadlyVenom]

#istandwithshan
#shanismycaptain
#notorizwan

I have asked Elon Musk to make these viral on X

 

[shah9425]

Only Rizwan that's it

No other option

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Rizwan will be our new Kaptaana. The real question is who will replace Shan the batter

Since he only has 3 fulltime jobs at the moment & can definitely handle one more, I'd say Mohsin Naqvi the test opener is about to make a shocking debut.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

i think Saud Shakeel is a better option. he has the leadership skills and can be more consistent compared to shan

 

[Bewal Express]

in that series Babar just scored 64 runs in 4 innings that too in home conditions and you want him captain lol

wouldn't be surprised if Babar purposely underperformed to make shan look bad

maybe if Babar performed in that test series shan would have won that test

Why was Shaan made captain? Any ideas?

 

[Bewal Express]

I think we need to give Saud the reigns. We will see if he has it because Shaan isn't a leader.

 

[gazza619]

Cant believe that we have to make a thread on this!!!!

 

[Farabi]

Shan Masood’s time as Pakistan’s Test captain has been challenging. In the 10 matches he has led, Pakistan managed to win only 2 and lost 8, giving him a win-loss ratio of 0.25. These numbers might look disappointing, but it’s important to consider the context. Shan took over a team struggling with internal issues, a depleted bowling attack, and tough opponents like Australia. Despite these challenges, he worked hard to bring positivity and unity to the dressing room.

Shan’s leadership style has focused on supporting his players and shielding them from criticism. He has emphasized the importance of team spirit, often standing by his teammates even during tough times. For instance, when Sarfaraz Ahmed was dropped for Mohammad Rizwan, Shan explained the reasoning behind Sarfaraz’s inclusion earlier, showing his respect and care for the players. He also tried to introduce an attacking mindset in the team, both in batting and field placements. While this approach brought moments of promise, the team’s overall performance remained inconsistent.

With a win-loss ratio of 0.25 as captain, Shan Masood’s leadership is undoubtedly under threat. The PCB might decide to replace him, or he could step down voluntarily. If this happens, Pakistan’s next captain must bring stability and a clear vision to guide the team forward.

Who do you think should be Pakistan’s next Test captain?

You don’t have the VC saud Shakeel as an option…

 

[Farabi]

I think we need to give Saud the reigns. We will see if he has it because Shaan isn't a leader.

Yup. Saud Shakeel has the most secure spot, very mature guy, and has leadership experience to boot

 

[khyberlion]

Should be Saud.