Masood to continue as Pakistan Test captain

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and coach Jason Gillespie have reposed faith in Shan Masood to continue as national team's Test captain ahead of a packed international season, but a decision on the leadership role of Babar Azam in white-ball formats has been put on hold.

Pakistan are scheduled to host England in a three-match Test series in October this year, while series against Bangladesh, South Africa and the West Indies are also lined up.

The PCB held a meeting here on Wednesday, which was attended by senior board officials, national selectors, Gillespie, white-ball formats coach Gary Kirsten and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, to discuss Pakistan's meek outing in the recent T20 World Cup in the Americas.

The meeting was held to discuss ways to move forward with a comprehensive blueprint for the national team in red and white-ball formats, indicated a source aware.

Masood, who took over as Test captain ahead of the tour of Australia earlier this year, received a complete vote of confidence.

"Shan got the support at the meeting to continue as Test captain for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, England, South Africa and the West Indies between August and January," the source said.

However, no decision was taken on Babar's white-ball captaincy although his performance as captain and batsman came under a lot of discussion.

Babar, according to the source, came under criticism for his lack of strength and leadership skills when the chips were down, especially during the T20 WC.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan pacer Sarfraz Nawaz asked to sack the entire selection committee as it had shown collective incompetence in the ICC showpiece and in the build up to it.

"The selection committee has worked collectively and should be sacked for their failure and incompetence," said Sarfraz.

Sarfraz said he had told the PCB officials several times not to give any administrative role to sacked selector Wahab Riaz.

"I am on record to have written letters to Zaka (Ashraf) and (Mohsin) Naqvi regarding Wahab's suspected past and his lack of abilities as an administrator. Nobody paid heed to my suggestion.

"I knew well that Wahab was not capable of delivering in any capacity yet he was made selector, advisor and manager. On all fronts he failed," said Sarfraz.