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Published 15 Nov, 2023 05:51pm

Babar Azam to lead Test team on Australia tour: sources

Pakistani skipper Babar Azam will lead Pakistan’s Test team in the upcoming Australia tour after he met PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf on Wednesday, sources said.

Azam held a meeting with Ashraf at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore where he submitted a report on the team’s dismal performance in the World Cup.

Earlier, reports had said that left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is poised to take over the captaincy from Babar Azam in the T20s, while Shan Masood emerges as a strong contender for leadership in Pakistan’s ODI and Test squads during the upcoming Australia tour.

In his report, he said that the team failed to perform in all departments which resulted in Pakistan’s failure to reach the semifinal of the tournament.

According to sources, Azam in his report said that the team’s morale was down after the defeat to India, which is hosting the World Cup.

Read: Ex-cricketers suggest keeping Babar Azam captain of Test team: sources

The report said that losses to South Africa and Afghanistan were also among the reasons Pakistan fell short of reaching the semifinal of the tournament.

Azam left the Qaddafi Stadium without speaking to the media after meeting Ashraf at the Chairman Chamber.

Earlier, Azam arrived at the NCA to discuss the team’s dismal performance in the World Cup and his future role in the team.

The Pakistani skipper faced criticism for his leadership and performance, particularly after the World Cup 2023, where concerns were raised about his laidback approach, questionable bowling selections, and field settings.

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