Pakistan’s plans for a demanding Test season could involve a change in leadership, with Geo Super reporting that Shan Masood‘s position as Test Captain is being assessed as the Pakistan Cricket Board prepares to announce its squad for upcoming assignments in the West Indies and England. The review comes at a crucial stage for the team, with preparations underway for two overseas series and broader changes continuing within Pakistan’s red-ball setup.
Leadership decision expected before squad announcement
The Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to finalise a 17-member squad in the coming days, with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi set to have the final say on the Test captaincy. The leadership issue remains unresolved as the board continues to shape its long-term plans in the format.
According to reports, T20I Captain Salman Ali Agha has emerged as a strong candidate to take over the Test side if a change is approved. However, no official announcement has been made regarding the role.
Masood’s record under scrutiny
Masood took charge of Pakistan’s Test team in 2023 ahead of the tour of Australia. His first series as Captain ended in a 3-0 defeat, and Pakistan have won four of their 16 Tests under his leadership while losing 12, giving him a win percentage of 25.
Pakistan have played seven Test series during Masood’s tenure. Their only series victory came in a 2-1 home triumph against England in 2024.
Recent results have intensified scrutiny around the current Test Captain. Pakistan were whitewashed 2-0 by Bangladesh during their most recent Test series in Bangladesh in May 2026, following a 2-0 home defeat to the same opponents in September 2024, making it two successive series sweeps against Bangladesh and increasing focus on the team’s direction ahead of a busy international schedule.
Busy overseas schedule awaits Pakistan
Pakistan are scheduled to leave for the West Indies on July 13 and will begin the tour with a four-day warm-up fixture starting on July 18. The two-match Test series is scheduled to be played in Trinidad and Tobago, with matches running from July 25 to 29 and from August 2 to 6.
Attention will then shift to England, where Pakistan are due to begin a three-Test series on August 19 at Headingley. The second match will be played at Lord’s on August 27, before the tour concludes with the final Test at Edgbaston beginning on September 9.
With squad selection approaching and major tours on the horizon, Pakistan’s leadership decision is expected to form an important part of the board’s wider red-ball strategy.
