Babar Azam's chances of reclaiming the Test captaincy have taken a significant blow following Pakistan's failure to progress to the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup, with their defeat against the USA proving to be the decisive factor, ANI reported quoting Geo News sources. 

Sources told Geo News that Shan Masood is set to continue as the Test captain for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh in August.

The board is reportedly dissatisfied with Babar's leadership abilities in the wake of the T20 World Cup debacle. 

The Bangladesh series will mark the beginning of former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie's tenure as Pakistan's red-ball head coach. 

Masood assumed the role of Pakistan's Test captain after Babar relinquished the captaincy in all formats following last year's ODI World Cup. 

Shaheen was appointed as the T20I captain in Babar's stead.

However, Shaheen's stint as the Pakistan skipper was short-lived, lasting only until April this year. 

He was removed from the T20I captaincy after leading the team in a single series against New Zealand, which resulted in a 4-1 defeat for Pakistan. 

Prior to the T20 World Cup, Babar was reinstated as the white-ball skipper, a move that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) described as a "strategic" decision. 

Unfortunately, the PCB's decision did not yield the desired results. 

Despite the appointment of Gary Kirsten as the white-ball head coach to enhance their prospects, Pakistan suffered a group stage exit from the tournament. 

They endured back-to-back losses against the USA and their long-standing rival, India, in their opening matches. 

The two successive defeats left them on the brink of elimination. Although they secured a convincing victory against Canada in their third game, it was not enough to secure their progress. 

The USA have advanced to the Super 8 stage, while Pakistan will play their final match against Ireland on Sunday in Florida.

Source: The Times of India

BDST: 1317 HRS, JUNE 16, 2024
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