Pakistan Likely to Appoint New Captain for Test Team

The Pakistan cricket team is undergoing radical changes both on and off the field, and now there are growing reports that Saud Shakeel will take over the Test captaincy in the near future as part of these sweeping reforms.

The 29-year-old middle-order batter, who already serves as the team’s vice-captain, is set for a promotion that also signals the end of Shan Masood’s tenure with the national team.

While no official announcement has been made yet, insiders suggest the decision is all but finalized, barring any last-minute surprises. The move is part of a larger restructuring effort ahead of the team’s next red-ball assignments, which includes finding a new head coach.

The likely elevation of Saud Shakeel will almost certainly end Shan Masood’s tenure as a Test player altogether. Shan, who was appointed captain in late 2023, struggled to assert his authority both tactically and with the bat. His failure to inspire results on the field left his leadership under constant scrutiny after just 12 matches in charge.

Sources within the team setup indicate that management is no longer convinced Shan offers a future-oriented solution, especially with younger, more dynamic players emerging in the domestic circuits.

Saud Shakeel’s rise has been gradual, grounded in performance and temperament. He has already made a name for himself in the Test arena with a composed batting style, averaging over 50 since his debut. He has also done a commendable job leading Quetta’s charge in this year’s PSL X, which may have swayed the decision in his favor.

This captaincy shift is one of several under consideration as part of a wider reset in Pakistan cricket, following another underwhelming World Test Championship cycle. In addition to changes in team leadership, the red-ball coaching staff is also set for an overhaul, withnames like Misbah-ul-Haq and others being discussed for key roles.

At a time when Pakistan cricket is in dire need of direction, Saud Shakeel’s calm approach, coupled with his batting pedigree, is being viewed as the antidote to years of turbulence. If appointed, his task will be immense: rebuild trust in the Test setup, restore pride in Pakistan’s red-ball identity, and cultivate the next generation of five-day specialists.

Saud Shakeel’s appointment may not generate headlines like Babar Azam once did, but in Saud, Pakistan may finally find the Test captain it needs — not the one it always searches for in a hurry.