Babar Azam has officially returned as Pakistan's Test captain, replacing Shan Masood ahead of two crucial ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series against the West Indies and England. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the squads on Saturday, signaling a major leadership change as the team looks to revive its fortunes in the ongoing WTC cycle.

The former skipper will lead Pakistan in a two-match Test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean before captaining the side in a challenging three-Test tour of England. The decision marks another significant chapter in Babar Azam's international career as Pakistan aims to climb from the bottom of the World Test Championship standings.

Babar Azam Replaces Shan Masood as Test Captain

Pakistan's decision to hand the Test captaincy back to Babar Azam comes after a difficult run in red-ball cricket under Shan Masood's leadership. While Masood remains an important member of the squad, the selectors have opted for Babar's experience and leadership as the team prepares for two demanding overseas assignments.

Babar previously captained Pakistan across all three formats and remains one of the country's most accomplished batters. His return as Test captain reflects the management's confidence in his ability to guide the team through a crucial phase of the World Test Championship.

The upcoming tours are expected to test Pakistan's resilience against two vastly different conditions—spin-friendly surfaces in the Caribbean and pace-friendly pitches in England.

Pakistan Focuses on World Test Championship Revival

Pakistan currently occupies ninth place in the ICC World Test Championship standings, making the upcoming five-Test stretch extremely important for their campaign.

A successful tour of the West Indies followed by a competitive showing in England could significantly improve Pakistan's position on the points table. The management believes that a change in leadership, combined with a balanced squad, offers the best chance of turning their fortunes around.

The series also provides an opportunity for several senior players to rediscover consistency while allowing promising youngsters to gain valuable international experience.

Four Uncapped Players Earn Maiden Test Call-Ups

One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the inclusion of four uncapped players who could make their Test debuts during the upcoming tours.

The newcomers include:

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

Their selection highlights Pakistan's intent to build squad depth while rewarding consistent domestic performances.

Young fast bowler Ubaid Shah has impressed with his pace and ability to generate movement, while Ali Usman offers another spin option alongside experienced campaigners. Batter Muhammad Awais Zafar and wicketkeeper Muhammad Ghazi Ghori have also earned recognition after strong domestic displays.

Their inclusion adds fresh energy to the squad as Pakistan looks to prepare the next generation of Test cricketers.

Saud Shakeel Included Subject to Fitness

Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel has been named in Pakistan's squad for the England Test series, although his participation remains subject to fitness clearance before the tour begins.

Shakeel has established himself as one of Pakistan's most dependable Test batters in recent years, particularly in overseas conditions. His availability would provide much-needed stability to Pakistan's middle order during the challenging English tour.

The selectors are expected to closely monitor his recovery before making a final decision.

Experienced Core Retained

Despite the captaincy change, Pakistan has retained the majority of its experienced core.

Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan continues to be a vital figure in the middle order, while Salman Ali Agha adds balance with both bat and off-spin. Veteran pacers Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali strengthen the bowling attack alongside Khurram Shahzad and all-rounder Aamir Jamal.

Former captain Shan Masood also retains his place in both squads, giving Pakistan another experienced batting option at the top of the order.

The selectors appear to have struck a balance between experienced internationals and exciting newcomers.

Pakistan Squad for West Indies Test Series

Pakistan have named a 16-member squad for the Caribbean tour:

Babar Azam (Captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah.

The West Indies series represents Pakistan's first assignment in this phase of the World Test Championship and will be crucial for building momentum.

Pakistan Squad for England Test Series

For the England tour, Pakistan have announced a largely unchanged squad:

Babar Azam (Captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness), Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah.

The England series is expected to be considerably more demanding, with matches scheduled at some of the country's most iconic venues.

Complete West Indies Test Series Schedule

Pakistan will begin their Caribbean tour with two Test matches:

• First Test: July 25–29 – Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba
• Second Test: August 2–6 – Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain

The Caribbean conditions are likely to offer assistance to both fast bowlers and spinners, making team selection particularly important.

England Test Series Schedule

Following the West Indies tour, Pakistan will travel to England for a three-Test series.

The fixtures are:

• First Test: August 19–23 – Leeds
• Second Test: August 27–31 – Lord's, London
• Third Test: September 9–13 – Birmingham

Playing in England has historically been one of cricket's toughest challenges, with seam movement, overcast conditions, and long batting sessions demanding exceptional discipline.

A Fresh Beginning Under Babar Azam

Babar Azam's return as Test captain represents more than just a leadership change—it signals Pakistan's desire to reset ahead of an important stretch in the World Test Championship.

The squad combines proven performers with promising young talent, providing the team with greater flexibility across different conditions. While senior players such as Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, and Mohammad Abbas will shoulder much of the responsibility, the emergence of four uncapped players adds excitement and depth.

Pakistan's immediate challenge will be translating individual talent into consistent team performances. Victories in the West Indies would build confidence before the far sterner examination awaiting in England.

With five overseas Tests scheduled over the coming weeks, Babar Azam's leadership will once again come under the spotlight. The experienced batter now has the opportunity to guide Pakistan back toward competitiveness in the ICC World Test Championship and restore momentum to the nation's red-ball ambitions.

^{ICC World Test Championship Latest standings}

Also Read: Shubman Gill Set to Lead India in Sri Lanka Tests as Jasprit Bumrah Returns; Nitish Kumar Reddy Likely to Miss Out

Ankaj Jha

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