Babar Azam Reappointed as Pakistan Captain-Shadab Khan Reacts

**Babar Azam** was named Pakistan’s captain again on 12 Jul 2026, prompting all‑rounder Shadab Khan to say he wasn’t surprised and to stress the need for stability in leadership.

Khan told reporters that Babar’s earlier stint as skipper showed both bright spots and setbacks. He noted, “Babar has performed as captain before… he has learned from that.” The Pakistani pacer believes the former captain will now improve in areas that fell short previously, adding that the team’s morale hinges on consistent leadership.

Shadab pointed to a pattern in Pakistan cricket: whenever results dip, the captain is the first to go. He warned, “At the end of the day, whenever something goes wrong, the captain is blamed and he is the one who gets changed.” This cycle, he argues, hampers long‑term growth and prevents players from building a cohesive game plan under a steady leader.

The all‑rounder admitted the side’s performances have slipped since 2022, with losses piling up across formats. He said the squad is now focused on sharpening individual skills so they can collectively lift the team’s standing. Shadab’s comments suggest that Babar’s reappointment is seen as a step toward restoring confidence and consistency.

While discussing Pakistan’s challenges, Khan praised the Indian cricket team’s dominance, noting their recent string of victories in bilateral series and major tournaments. He said India’s results “speak for themselves,” positioning them as the benchmark for any side aiming to compete at the top of international cricket.

With the captaincy back on his shoulders, Babar will need to translate past lessons into on‑field success. Shadab expects the experienced batter to address previous shortcomings, especially in decision‑making during tight matches. The upcoming series against England in August will be the first real test of his renewed leadership.

Players have reportedly rallied around the idea of a stable captaincy, focusing on personal form ahead of the next fixtures. Shadab emphasized that every squad member is working on their game, hoping that collective improvement will reflect in the scoreboard.

**Babar Azam’s** second spell as Pakistan’s skipper begins under a spotlight of expectation and scrutiny. Shadab Khan’s endorsement underscores both the potential for growth and the lingering concerns over frequent captaincy swaps. As the team prepares for its next challenges, the cricket world will watch closely to see if Babar can steer Pakistan back to the top.