Why Babar Azam Was Given a Break
After struggling in recent Test matches, Babar Azam was left out of the Pakistan squad for the last two Tests against England, which Pakistan won 2-1. This break comes after a prolonged period of low scores, with Babar failing to score a half-century in his last 18 Test innings since late 2022.
Despite this, Masood has faith in Babar’s potential. “He’s one of the best batsmen in the world,” Masood said on the BBC’s Stumped radio program. “Sometimes, people need a break to recharge and come back even stronger.”
Babar’s Immediate Future in International Cricket
To make it clear that Babar is still a crucial part of Pakistan’s plans, he has been included in Pakistan’s upcoming white-ball series against Australia. This series will be Babar’s return to international cricket after Pakistan’s disappointing World Cup campaign, which ended with him stepping down as captain. Since then, he’s been reappointed and stepped down again—all without leading the team in a 50-over game.
Masood is confident that Babar will return to the Test squad refreshed and more focused. Pakistan’s next Test series is against South Africa, where Babar has had success before, including a memorable innings against Dale Steyn in 2018 that highlighted his talent.
Masood’s Views on the New Selection Committee
Shan Masood also shared his thoughts on Pakistan’s new selection committee, formed after the first Test loss to England. Although he is no longer on the selection panel, Masood is supportive of the committee’s collective approach. “In Pakistan, people are quick to credit individuals,” he said. “But it’s always a team effort. I’d rather pass the credit to everyone involved.”
Masood emphasized the importance of working together for Pakistan cricket’s success. The committee’s decisions, like playing on a used pitch and relying on three spinners, have paid off in recent matches.
The Viral Interview Moment with Ramiz Raja
After Pakistan’s victory, Masood had an awkward interview with commentator Ramiz Raja, who brought up the team’s recent losses in a somewhat clumsy way. This exchange went viral, sparking mixed reactions online. However, Masood handled it gracefully, stating, “There are no hard feelings from my side. I’m good at taking constructive criticism.”
Masood’s professionalism and positive outlook reflect his commitment to Pakistan cricket. He remains focused on helping the team improve and values the support of fans and teammates alike.