Shan Masood Faces Pressure After Pakistan’s Humiliating Series Defeat
Shan Masood is under immense pressure following a shocking series defeat by the Bangladesh national cricket team. Pakistan lost 2-0 in the recent Test series, marking a historic clean sweep for Bangladesh on their home soil. This loss has left the Pakistani team reeling and has put Masood’s captaincy at risk.
In the second Test, Bangladesh secured a commanding 78-run victory over Pakistan at Sylhet on May 20. Under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Bangladeshi team dominated in all aspects of the game—batting, bowling, and fielding. The series defeat has had a significant impact on Pakistan’s position in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, dropping their ranking from fifth to eighth place.
There have been growing rumors that Masood might step down as Pakistan’s captain due to the recent defeats. His personal batting performance in the series has also come under scrutiny, despite a notable knock of 71 in the second Test. With six more Tests scheduled later this year, discussions about a new captain have already begun within the team management.
Struggles and Criticisms
Pakistan struggled at critical moments during the series. Their bowling lacked accuracy, batting collapsed under pressure, and dropped catches further worsened their position. After the series defeat, Masood acknowledged that the team could have handled certain situations better. “Bangladesh outplayed us over the two Tests,” he admitted.
The mounting pressure on Masood is also due to the consistent poor performances of the Pakistan Test team over the past two years. Former players and fans have raised concerns about the leadership and strategy of the national team. As Pakistan looks to start fresh in Test cricket, a new leader may emerge, with selectors considering options ahead of the next Test assignment against England later this year.
Potential Candidates for Captaincy
Salman Ali Agha
Salman Ali Agha made his captaincy debut for Pakistan in T20 cricket against Australia in January 2024. In white-ball cricket, Pakistan has seen more success under his leadership. The management highly rates Salman for his calm temperament and ability to handle pressure situations. He has established himself as a key player in the middle order across all formats. Although he hasn’t led the Test team yet, his candidacy is being considered for the role, potentially offering a long-term solution for rebuilding the Test side.
Mohammad Rizwan
Another senior and experienced player who could be in the running for Pakistan’s next Test captaincy is Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan was appointed captain of Pakistan’s white-ball teams after taking over from Babar Azam in early 2024. However, his tenure as captain of the white-ball sides did not last long due to inconsistent results under his leadership.
Despite this setback, Rizwan remains one of Pakistan’s most reliable and steady figures in Test cricket. His gritty knock of 94 in the second Test against Bangladesh was one of the few bright spots in a challenging series for the tourists. As one of the most senior players in the dressing room, Rizwan offers valuable experience and leadership at the highest level.
Babar Azam
Babar Azam was in charge of the national team across all three formats from 2019 to late 2023 before stepping down as captain of all formats after the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India. Since then, he has focused solely on his batting. After an inconsistent period in international and domestic matches, Babar appears to be finding form again. Given his extensive experience as both a senior player and a captain, he may be the right choice to lead the Test side once again.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan now faces a crucial decision as they prepare for their next Test series against England. Whether the board chooses to retain Shan Masood or opt for a new captain, the management is desperate for a major turnaround. The upcoming series will be a test of their ability to recover and rebuild their standing in international cricket.
