Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood expressed confidence that Babar Azam’s recent break from the Test squad will ultimately be beneficial for him. Babar was omitted from the team for the last two Tests against England, which Pakistan won to clinch the series 2-1, following a prolonged struggle with form.
Masood Praises Babar’s Potential
“I believe Babar is one of the best batsmen in the world,” Masood stated during an interview on the BBC Stumped radio program. “He possesses all the qualities to be one of the greatest in Test cricket. Sometimes, a break is necessary for players.” This break allows Babar to reset and recharge, a sentiment echoed by the Pakistan Cricket Board, which has called him up for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia.
Upcoming Challenges For Babar
The series against Australia will mark Pakistan’s first ODI matches since their disappointing World Cup campaign, during which Babar reluctantly stepped down as captain. Although Babar has not scored a half-century in his last 18 Test innings, Masood believes the upcoming series against South Africa—a team he has had success against—could be a turning point. Babar’s memorable innings against Dale Steyn in 2018 is a testament to his ability to excel under pressure.
Collective Focus On Team Success
Masood refrained from discussing specifics about his role following recent changes in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s selection committee. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and collective success over individual accolades. “In Pakistan, people are quick to attribute success to individuals,” he noted. “I prefer to share credit with everyone involved; it’s a collective effort.”
Handling Media Scrutiny With Grace
Masood also addressed the recent media interactions following a tense exchange with commentator Ramiz Raja about his leadership during six consecutive defeats. “There are no hard feelings from my side,” Masood said with a laugh. “I’ve always aimed to be open with the media. Constructive criticism is valuable, and I’m good at filtering out noise.” His focus remains on leading the team effectively and ensuring the collective success of Pakistan cricket.
