Lahore: Azhar Ali and Sean Masood are strong candidates for the Test team to replace Sarfraz Ahmed for the tour of Australia.
The Green Shirts are scheduled to depart Sydney on October 27, with Pakistan and Australia in the first leg of the tour, which will be followed by three Twenty20 matches, followed by two Tests scheduled for the ICC Test Championship.
The PCB's selection committee, headed by head coach and chief selector Sabahul Haq, in Faisalabad, has begun consulting on the selection of players for this important tour.
According to sources, PCB officials have agreed to replace Sarfraz Ahmed for the two Test matches against Australia. The list also includes Sean Masood along with Azhar Ali. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Razavan is being planned as vice captain.
Headache and Chief Selector Misbah-ul-Haq Azhar Ali are considered fit for the position, however, with Shawn Masood taking the lead in the near future for a top board personality, would be more beneficial. However, the performance of Southern Punjab captain Sean Masood as the leader is not impressive, his team has played four matches, winning only one. Shaun Masood's absence as a permanent test team may be a hindrance to his selection, in which case Azhar Ali is more likely to be given the crown of leadership.
On the other hand, the bourgeois authorities have to decide whether to retain Sarfraz Ahmed as captain of the T20 team. Performances have marked his future as captain.
Head coach Misbah-ul-Haq is not too happy with captain Sarfraz Ahmed, after the visit of the British royal couple to Lahore, PCB officials will hold a final consultation on Pakistan team affairs.