PCB to review Shan Masood’s future as Test captain

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to hold a crucial review meeting this weekend following the team’s disappointing 0-2 Test series loss to Bangladesh. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to attend the meeting, where discussions will reportedly focus on the future of Test captain Shan Masood and the red-ball coaching setup.

Pakistan’s defeat in Bangladesh has intensified scrutiny on Masood’s leadership, with the board expected to assess whether he should continue leading the Test side for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England. The series loss has further highlighted Pakistan’s struggles in the longest format and raised questions about the team’s overall direction.

“The most important decision is about whether Shan Masood will continue as Test captain for the tours of West Indies and England,” a PCB official said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

According to reports, several selectors and board officials are in favour of appointing Salman Ali Agha as the new Test captain. Salman currently leads Pakistan’s white-ball teams, and handing him the red-ball captaincy would signal a major leadership transition within the national setup.

“Many selectors and some board officials believe it is time to give Salman Ali Agha the chance to lead the Test side now,” the source continued. Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has also emerged as a potential candidate for a leadership role, though no final decision has been made at this stage.

The upcoming meeting is expected to address more than just the captaincy issue. Naqvi is believed to be dissatisfied with the current state of Pakistan cricket and is reportedly considering broader structural reforms within the board.

Pakistan’s red-ball coaching structure is another area under review. The board is yet to finalise a long-term coaching arrangement, and former captain Younis Khan has reportedly emerged as a strong contender for the role.

For now, Sarfaraz Ahmed is expected to continue in his current position until the PCB reaches an agreement with Younis. However, negotiations may not be straightforward given Younis’ past approach to board appointments.

“For the time being it appears that Sarfaraz will remain until a deal is reached with Younis, who has always been a tough negotiator when it comes to holding any post in the board,” an official said.

With important Test tours on the horizon, the PCB is expected to make significant decisions in the coming days as it looks to reshape Pakistan’s red-ball setup and improve the team’s performances on the international stage.