Babar Returns as Pakistan Test Captain for West Indies and England Tours

•   PCB Announces New Squads

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its Test squads for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England, confirming the return of Babar Azam as Pakistan’s Test captain.

According to Beyond Time News, the squads were unveiled during a press conference in Lahore by the PCB selection committee, which includes Aqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, and Misbah-ul-Haq.

Pakistan will first play a two-match Test series in the West Indies before heading to England for a three-match Test series later this summer.

Babar Azam Reclaims Test Captaincy

The biggest talking point from the announcement is the decision to restore Babar Azam as Pakistan’s Test captain.

The leadership change comes after Shan Masood led the national side during previous Test assignments. While selectors acknowledged Shan’s individual performances, they said the team’s overall results did not meet expectations.

According to Beyond Time News, Aqib Javed explained that captaincy decisions are based on team performance rather than individual statistics. He said the selection committee believes a leadership change can help improve Pakistan’s results in the longest format.

Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq backed the move, describing Babar as one of Pakistan’s most valuable cricketers across all three international formats.

Four Uncapped Players Earn Test Call-Ups

The new squads feature four players who are yet to make their Test debuts:

• Ali Usman – Left-arm spinner
• Muhammad Awais Zafar – Right-handed batter
• Ubaid Shah – Right-arm fast bowler
• Muhammad Ghazi Ghori – Wicketkeeper-batter

Their inclusion reflects the selectors’ intention to strengthen Pakistan’s Test depth while preparing emerging talent for international cricket.

Aamer Jamal Returns, Shaheen Afridi Misses Out

All-rounder Aamer Jamal has earned a recall after last appearing in a Test match against South Africa in 2025.

Pakistan’s pace attack will include Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad, and newcomer Ubaid Shah.

Experienced fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been left out of the squad. Spinner Noman Ali also remains absent after missing Pakistan’s previous Test tour of Bangladesh.

Misbah-ul-Haq said both Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah would benefit from playing more first-class cricket to sharpen their red-ball skills.

Saud Shakeel Awaits Fitness Clearance

The PCB has named a 17-member squad for the England tour.

However, Saud Shakeel has been included subject to receiving medical clearance. His availability will depend on his recovery and final fitness assessment before the England series begins.

Pakistan’s Upcoming Test Schedule

Pakistan’s international Test campaign begins in the Caribbean before shifting to England.

West Indies Test Series

• First Test: July 25–29 in Trinidad and Tobago
• Second Test: August 2–6 in Trinidad and Tobago

England Test Series

• First Test: August 19 at Headingley, Leeds
• Second Test: August 27 at Lord’s, London
• Third Test: September 9 at Edgbaston, Birmingham

The England tour will provide Pakistan with a major challenge against one of the world’s strongest home Test sides.

Why the Squad Selection Matters

The latest selections indicate that Pakistan is attempting to balance experienced performers with emerging talent ahead of a demanding overseas schedule.

Returning Babar Azam to the captaincy signals the PCB’s desire for stability in leadership, while the inclusion of four uncapped players demonstrates a continued investment in the future of Pakistan’s Test team.

Selectors also stressed that omission from the current squad should not be viewed as the end of any player’s international career, emphasizing that performances in domestic cricket will continue to influence future selections.

Full Pakistan Test Squad

• Babar Azam (Captain)
• Aamer 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
• Saud Shakeel*
• Shan Masood
• Ubaid Shah

*Saud Shakeel’s selection for the England tour is subject to fitness clearance.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s Test squad for the West Indies and England tours marks the beginning of a new chapter under Babar Azam’s leadership. With experienced players returning, promising newcomers earning opportunities, and challenging overseas assignments ahead, the upcoming series will offer an early indication of the team’s direction in the World Test Championship cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has Babar Azam been reappointed as Pakistan’s Test captain?

According to Beyond Time News, the PCB believes a leadership change can improve the team’s performances after inconsistent results in recent Test matches.

Who are the uncapped players in Pakistan’s Test squad?

Ali Usman, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Ubaid Shah, and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori have received their first Test call-ups.

Why is Shaheen Shah Afridi not included?

Selectors said Pakistan’s pace attack is being reassessed, while Misbah-ul-Haq suggested Shaheen should play more first-class cricket to strengthen his red-ball form.

When will Pakistan play the West Indies and England?

Pakistan will play two Tests in the West Indies from July 25 to August 6 before touring England for a three-match Test series beginning on August 19.

Is Saud Shakeel confirmed for the England series?

No. His place in the England squad depends on receiving medical clearance and passing a fitness assessment.

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