Reports: Saqlain Mushtaq to step down as Pakistan head coach post New Zealand series, Babar Azam to be axed as Test captain

Pakistan cricket is expected to undergo a transformation after their recent 0-3 humiliation at home against England in the Test series. Former middle-order batter Ramiz Raja has been reportedly sacked as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and Najam Sethi has taken over the reins from him.

Meanwhile, it has also been reported that the current Pakistan head coach Saqlain Mushtaq might step down from his role and even Babar Azam will be axed from Test captaincy.

The report further states that Saqlain is expected to leave after the conclusion of the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand starting Monday, December 26.

A high-level meeting was held in the office of the PCB chairman Ramiz Raja: PCB Source

"A high-level meeting was held in the office of the PCB chairman Ramiz Raja at the Gaddafi Stadium in which chief selector, Mohammad Wasim also participated," according to a source quoted as saying by NDTV.

"Every aspect of the team, selection matters, the captaincy and Saqlain's role were discussed threadbare in the nearly three-hour-long meeting," the source added.

Furthermore, the source added that while Babar Azam would continue to lead Pakistan in limited overs, he would be removed from Test captaincy in July of next year.

"A lot of discussion has been held on Babar's future as Test captain and it was decided to maintain status quo for now." 

"But what is decided is that, in July Babar will be changed as Test captain," the source said.

Under Babar Azam, Pakistan have suffered two successive home Test series defeats this year and have lost four of their last home matches. Prior to this 0-3 drubbing, Pakistan had lost 0-1 to Australia in a three-match Test series earlier this year.

Nonetheless, Babar has taken Pakistan cricket to newer heights in white-ball cricket. He had led them to the semis of the last year’s T20 World Cup and the finals of this year’s Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup where they faltered at the final hurdle against Sri Lanka and England respectively.