Masood Supports Babar's Comeback and Discusses Team Dynamics

Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood, expressed confidence in Babar Azam’s ability to rebound from his recent omission from the Test squad, stating that the break will ultimately benefit the star batsman. Babar was dropped from the team for the last two Tests against England, a series that Pakistan won 2-1, marking a significant turnaround following a prolonged period of poor form for Babar.

During a recent appearance on the BBC’s "Stumped" radio program, Masood underscored Babar's caliber, saying, “I think he's one of the best batsmen in the world. I'm nobody to [say he doesn't have] a future. He has every quality to be one of the greatest batsmen in Test cricket. He’s always there or thereabouts in the rankings. Sometimes, people need a break.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has swiftly made it clear that Babar's exclusion from the Test setup is not indicative of a long-term absence. He has been included in the squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia, which includes a three-match ODI series—the first for Pakistan since a disappointing World Cup campaign that led Babar to step down as captain.

Masood hinted that Babar's break from the Test side would be temporary, expressing his belief that the player will return as a stronger competitor. Babar has not scored a half-century in Test cricket over his last 18 innings, with his next Test series set against South Africa—an opponent against whom he has historically performed well. His captaincy debut came against South Africa in a 2-0 series victory, and he is remembered for a remarkable innings against Dale Steyn in 2018, which showcased his talent on the international stage.

“I think this break will do him a great deal of benefit, and he'll come back a stronger player,” Masood remarked. “There's no harm in being pulled out at times and having a breather. He's played a lot of cricket and gone through a lot, and he'll always be one of the main batsmen to play for Pakistan.”

On the topic of the recent changes in the PCB’s selection committee, which saw both Masood and head coach Jason Gillespie removed from the selection panel, the captain remained focused on the team’s collective effort. Masood emphasized his good relationship with the new selectors, stating, “People in Pakistan are quick to give success to individuals. To make one person a hero. I think it's always going to be a collective thing.”

He explained that during discussions with the selectors, the focus was on how to take 20 wickets, which led to decisions like including three spinners for specific conditions. "I’ve worked with three different setups in my tenure so far... I've been on the same page with them so far. At the end of the day, it’s about Pakistan cricket, and we’re very fortunate that the entire collective came together,” he added.

Masood also touched on a more lighthearted but slightly controversial moment after Pakistan’s victory, where he faced some challenging questions from commentator Ramiz Raja regarding his leadership and previous losses. The exchange, which became a topic of discussion online, highlighted the scrutiny players face in the media.

“There are no hard feelings from my side,” Masood said with a laugh. “I’ve always been an open book in front of the media and tried to conduct myself in the best possible way... I'm good at taking constructive criticism and I’m also good at filtering stuff out.”

As Pakistan gears up for their next challenges, Masood’s support for Babar and focus on team cohesion indicate a strong desire to build a resilient side capable of facing future challenges.