PCB set to appoint Babar Azam as new Pakistan Test captain before New Zealand tour: Report

Babar could take over from Azhar Ali on the Kiwi trip where Pakistan play 2 Tests and 3 T20Is.

Babar Azam is set to travel to New Zealand as his country's latest Test captain after reports emerge of an agreement within Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of his leadership qualities, besides being the nation's contemporary best batsman. 

A PCB source close to the development told PTI much the same. 

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"Babar is the unanimous choice to be appointed Test captain and he has had discussions with top officials and given his consent to take up the challenge," the source said. 

The board has already confirmed on Sunday (November 8) that agenda for the meeting on Monday includes a review of the report on the national men's team performances.

The PTI report states, PCB chairman Ehsan Mani will be seeking approval to appoint a new Test captain on the same day before that can be officially announced to the public on Wednesday (November 11), the same day selectors will announce a large, 35-member touring party for two Tests and three T20Is in New Zealand. 

Though sacked from captaincy, experienced batsman Azhar Ali will remain part of the Test set-up. 

Babar, touted to take over in the red-ball game, has been Pakistan's limited-overs skipper since late last year. Given Pakistan's schedule post the Kiwi trip sees them play mostly within the subcontinent till they return overseas, the PCB perhaps feels it's the right time to groom Babar as Test captain. 

"The mantra behind wanting to make Babar Test captain is that you make your best player the captain,” the source said.