Salman Butt names candidate to lead Pakistan team in all three formats

Butt suggested that Shan Masood is the ideal candidate to lead Pakistan across all three formats of the game

PHOTO: PCB

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has advocated for a change in the national team's leadership by naming one candidate to lead the national side in all three formats.

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Butt suggested that Shan Masood is the ideal candidate to lead Pakistan across all three formats of the game. He criticized the current leadership, emphasizing the need for a strategic and ego-free approach.

“There is some fuss because of which despite having skill, players haven’t been able to execute. There is someone who doesn’t have any strategy for planning but still has a lot of attitude. To silence that attitude, I would definitely make Shan Masood the captain,” Butt said.

Following Pakistan’s early exit from the ODI World Cup, Masood was appointed Test captain after Babar Azam stepped down from leadership in all formats. Masood's tenure began on a difficult note with a 3-0 series loss to Australia. Despite this, Butt believes Masood has the potential to bring a fresh perspective and strategic approach to the team.

Masood has been confirmed to continue as Pakistan's captain for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin in the third week of August. According to local media reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials met in Lahore on Wednesday to discuss various matters, including the captaincy for the upcoming Tests.

The report quoted a source within the PCB, saying, “PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has accepted the suggestion that Shan Masood should continue as captain of the red-ball team for the forthcoming series against Bangladesh. In all probabilities, he would continue to lead Pakistan throughout the season. The season also includes Test series against England, West Indies and later away series against South Africa.”

Meanwhile, the decision regarding the ODI and T20 captaincy, crucial for leading Pakistan into the 2025 Champions Trophy, remains pending. The PCB chairman intends to consult with prominent cricketers over the next few weeks before finalizing the appointment.

It is worth noting that Bangladesh will face Pakistan in two Tests, with matches scheduled in Rawalpindi from 21st to 25th August and in Karachi from 30th August to 3rd September.

Bangladesh in Pakistan (Two Tests)