Shan Masood will remain the Test captain of Pakistan in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. The PCB has been confident in his leadership even after he finished last in the last WTC. ESPNcricinfo reports that Masood and coach Azhar Mahmood have been granted free hand in team management despite the fact that they are not in the formal selection committee.
Shan Masood Stays On as Pakistan Test Captain
Shan Masood will remain as the Pakistan captain of the 202527 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. This move follows a difficult experience that Pakistan had during the previous cycle whereby it ended at the bottom of the points table. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) feels that the stability of the team with Masood as the coach can provide it with a sense of direction going forward.
Masood became captain in late 2023, taking over from Babar Azam. His time in charge has had ups and downs. Pakistan lost the series to Australia and Bangladesh, but they also had their big moment when they defeated England 2-1 at home in October 2024. It was the first home Test series of Pakistan in nearly four years, which proves that Masood can make the team win in the significant matches.
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The PCB has given Masood and head coach Azhar Mahmood more freedom to run the Test team. Even though they are not part of the formal selection committee, they can make key decisions about how the team plays.
The next series against South Africa will become an opportunity to make a good beginning in a new WTC cycle. Pakistan has an opportunity to reverse its form with both senior and young talents with the help of Masood.
Amit Mishra’s Take
Shan Masood’s journey as captain has been a mix of challenges and small successes. I think the PCB’s choice to keep him shows they are thinking long term. A stable leadership may contribute to confidence among the young players and a team that plays well together.
The WTC cycle 2025-27 will be the actual test of Masood. He will have to maintain the momentum of the team, make wise choices on the field and strike the right balance between the experienced and the new.
Provided he does this well, Pakistan can help itself and fight well in the championship. I want to know how he copes with these issues and whether this is a turning point for the team.
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