Lahore: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed has explained the decision to change the captain of Pakistan’s Test team, saying the move was made to improve the team’s overall performance and results.

Speaking at a press conference alongside former captain Misbah-ul-Haq and former Test cricketer Asad Shafiq, Aaqib Javed said that while Shan Masood had performed well individually as a player, the team’s results under his leadership had not met expectations.

“A captain also carries responsibility. Shan Masood’s personal performances have been good, but the team did not achieve the results we were hoping for under his captaincy. We have therefore tried to bring about a change so that the team’s performances improve,” he said.

Aaqib also expressed concern over the pace of Pakistan’s fast bowlers, describing their declining speed as an issue that needs attention.

He emphasized that neither the PCB nor the national selection committee wants captains to be appointed for only a single series.

“No cricket board or selection committee wants a captain for just one series. A captain should be given continuity, and that continuity comes with performance. If everything is going well, there is no need for change. Ideally, we want whoever is appointed as captain to lead the side for two to three years,” he added.

Addressing speculation on social media, Aaqib Javed dismissed reports suggesting that Babar Azam had demanded captaincy across all three formats as a condition for accepting the Test captaincy.

“Babar Azam has never told the selection committee that he would only accept the Test captaincy if he was made captain in all three formats. Many things circulating on social media are fake, so people should verify such claims before believing them,” he said.

Meanwhile, Misbah-ul-Haq said that Babar Azam remains a valuable player who can be utilized in all formats of the game, including T20 cricket, highlighting his importance to Pakistan’s batting lineup.