Pakistan Cricket has ushered in another leadership change in the longest format, with Babar Azam returning as the Test captain for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England. The decision comes after Shan Masood‘s difficult stint as skipper, during which Pakistan endured a string of disappointing results, prompting the selectors to rethink the team’s direction ahead of a demanding overseas schedule.
Shan Masood’s tenure ends after difficult run as Babar Azam returns to leadership
Masood, who took over the Test captaincy nearly three years ago, struggled to produce consistent results. Pakistan won only four of the 16 Test matches under his leadership, while suffering defeats in 12 games. The team’s inability to compete in key overseas assignments ultimately proved costly.
The recent home series against Bangladesh, where Pakistan suffered another whitewash, is believed to have played a significant role in the decision. It marked the second time in two years that Bangladesh had blanked Pakistan in a Test series, further increasing scrutiny on the team’s performances. Heavy series defeats in Australia and South Africa also added to the growing pressure on the leadership group.
Although Babar himself has endured a lean patch with the bat in Test cricket over the past few seasons, the selectors have once again placed their trust in one of Pakistan’s most experienced players to guide the side through an important phase.
Fresh faces included as selectors look to build depth
Along with announcing Babar’s return as captain, Pakistan unveiled a 16-member squad for the two-Test series against the West Indies. The selectors have also confirmed that Saud Shakeel will join the squad for the subsequent England tour, subject to proving his fitness.
The squad features four uncapped players, reflecting Pakistan’s intention to strengthen its talent pool. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman, batter Muhammad Awais Zafar, fast bowler Ubaid Shah and wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori have all earned their maiden Test call-ups after impressive domestic performances.
Experienced names such as Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Abbas, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad and Aamir Jamal also retain their places, providing a blend of youth and experience for the challenging overseas assignments.
Challenging away schedule awaits Pakistan
Pakistan will begin their campaign in the Caribbean with a two-match Test series against the West Indies. The opening Test is scheduled to take place in Tarouba from July 25 to 29, while the second match will be played in Port of Spain from August 2 to 6. Following the West Indies leg, Pakistan will travel to England for a three-Test series stretching from August 19 to September 13. The matches will be staged in Leeds, Lord’s and Birmingham, presenting one of the toughest assignments in world cricket.
With Babar back at the helm, Pakistan will hope the leadership change sparks an improvement in fortunes. The experienced batter now faces the dual challenge of rediscovering his own Test form while steering the team through two demanding overseas series that could shape Pakistan’s red-ball future.
Pakistan Test squad for West Indies and England tours: Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah. Saud Shakeel will join the squad for the England tour, subject to fitness.
