Star batsman Babar Azam is reportedly set to return as Pakistan’s Test captain, with multiple reports claiming that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has approved a leadership change that could see him replace Shan Masood in the red-ball format. The move comes after a disappointing run of results under Shan Masood, with Pakistan struggling for consistency in the World Test Championship cycle.
If the report proves true, it will mark another chapter in Babar Azam’s tumultuous captaincy journey. The star batsman first became Pakistan’s captain across all formats in 2020 before stepping down from the role in 2023. He was later re-appointed as white-ball captain in 2024 before relinquishing those duties. Now, the PCB seems ready to hand him the Test captaincy once again.
Babar Azam’s test captaincy record
Babar led Pakistan in 20 Test matches between 2021 and 2023 and enjoyed a respectable record as captain. Under his leadership, Pakistan won 10 matches, lost six and drew four, giving them a win percentage of 50%.
More importantly, Babar led from the front with the bat. As Test captain, he scored 1,727 runs in 35 innings at an excellent average of 50.79. His highest score was a memorable 196 against Australia in Karachi, an innings that helped Pakistan save a Test match.
Babar Azam also recorded four centuries and 11 half-centuries during his tenure as captain. His average as a captain (50.79) was significantly higher than his average as a non-captain (38.78), which highlights how he thrived under the additional responsibility.
His biggest wins as captain include series wins over South Africa, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Pakistan also reached the No. 1 ranking in the ICC ODI team rankings during his extensive leadership tenure, although Test success in the longest format remained his primary achievement.
Babar Azam’s batting numbers as captain vs non-captain
One of the strongest arguments in favor of Babar’s return is his batting record while leading Pakistan.
As captain:
Match: 20
Runs: 1,727
Average: 50.79
Centuries: 4
Fifties: 11
As non-captain:
Match: 42
Runs: 2,754
Average: 38.78
Centuries: 5
Fifties: 20
Statistics show that when Babar Azam had the captaincy, he was statistically a better batsman. As captain, he averaged over 12 runs and played some of the best innings of his career during that period.
His exceptional performances as captain include 196 runs against Australia, 161 runs against New Zealand, 136 runs against England and 119 runs against Sri Lanka. Those innings demonstrated his ability to handle pressure and perform well when Pakistan needed him most.
Babar Azam’s overall test record and achievements
Since making his debut in 2016, Babar has established himself as one of Pakistan’s leading Test batsmen. In 62 Tests, he has scored 4,481 runs at an average of 42.67, including nine centuries and 31 half-centuries.
Among the opposition teams, he has had special success against New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Against New Zealand he has scored 635 runs at an average of 57.72, while against Sri Lanka he has scored 648 runs at an average of 54. He has also averaged 53.83 against England, underscoring his ability to perform against top quality attacks.
His highest Test score is 196 against Australia in Karachi, one of the highest fourth innings scores by a Pakistani batsman. Babar Azam also has more than 500 Test fours to his name and is one of the most skilled batsmen of his generation.
With reports suggesting that the PCB is preparing to hand him the Test captaincy again, Babar may soon get another chance to lead Pakistan in the longest format. While his first tenure had its share of ups and downs, statistics show that he was an effective leader and Pakistan’s most reliable batsman during that period.
