Pakistan have reappointed Babar Azam as Test captain, succeeding Shan Masood after his underwhelming tenure.
The Pakistan Cricket Board announced the change on Sunday, also releasing the squads for the forthcoming West Indies and England Test series, signalling Babar’s return to a role he previously occupied.
Shan Masood’s tenure ends after a poor Test record
Masood’s captaincy ended after he secured only four victories from 16 Tests, with Pakistan losing 12 matches during his period.
A 2‑0 home defeat to Bangladesh was a key factor in the decision, and Pakistan also endured series whitewashes in away tours against Australia and South Africa while Masood was captain.
Although he remains in the squad as a batsman, Masood has been relieved of the captaincy ahead of an important phase in Pakistan’s Test schedule.
Babar Azam Takes on Second Term as Pakistan’s Test Captain
Babar assumes the role despite a recent dip in his Test batting form.
The former all‑format captain will now guide Pakistan in a two‑Test series against the West Indies and subsequently lead a three‑Test tour of England this summer.
Four Uncapped Players Called Up
Pakistan have selected four uncapped players for the upcoming tours.
- Ali Usman (left-arm spinner)
- Mohammad Awais Zafar (batsman)
- Ubaid Shah (fast bowler)
- Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper-batter)
Saud Shakeel was omitted from the initial West Indies squad but is expected to be included for the England tour, pending fitness.
Pakistan Test Squad
The following is the squad for the West Indies and England tours:
- Babar Azam (captain)
- Aamir Jamal
- Abdullah Fazal
- Ali Usman
- Call to prayer
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Khurram Shahzad
- Mohammad Abbas
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Mohammad Awais Zafar
- Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk)
- Sajid Khan
- Salman Ali Agha
- Shan Masood
- Ubaid Shah
Saud Shakeel is expected to join the England squad, pending fitness.
Pakistan’s Test Schedule
Pakistan commence their World Test Championship campaign with a two‑match series in the Caribbean.
- First Test: July 25‑29 – Tarouba
- Second Test: August 2‑6 – Port of Spain
The team will then travel to England for a three‑Test series:
- First Test – Leeds
- Second Test – Lord’s
- Third Test – Birmingham
The England series is scheduled from August 19 to September 13, with Babar Azam tasked with revitalising Pakistan’s Test fortunes after a challenging spell under Shan Masood.
