Babar Azam has been reinstated as Pakistan’s Test captain, replacing Shan Masood ahead of the team’s upcoming Test series against the West Indies and England.
The 31-year-old previously captained Pakistan in the longest format between November 2020 and November 2023 before stepping down following the team’s disappointing ODI World Cup campaign.
Masood removed after difficult spell
Shan Masood’s tenure comes to an end after Pakistan endured a poor run under his leadership.
The left-handed batter managed just three victories in 16 Tests, losing 13 matches as Pakistan finished bottom of the 2023-25 World Test Championship standings.
They have also started the new World Test Championship cycle poorly after suffering a 2-0 series defeat to Bangladesh in May.
Explaining the decision, chief selector Aaqib Javed said the selection committee believed Azam was the best candidate to lead the side again.
Fresh squad for major overseas tours
Pakistan begin their red-ball campaign with a two-Test series against the West Indies starting on 25 July before travelling to England for a three-match Test series.
The England tour includes matches at Headingley, Lord’s and Edgbaston.
Several changes have been made to the squad, with fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali omitted following the Bangladesh series.
New faces earn call-ups
Uncapped fast bowler Ubaid Shah, younger brother of Naseem Shah, has received his maiden Test call-up alongside middle-order batter Awais Zafar and left-arm spinner Ali Usman.
Experienced seamers Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad return to strengthen Pakistan’s pace attack.
Vice-captain Saud Shakeel has also been included, subject to fitness for the England tour.
Azam begins second spell in charge
One of Pakistan’s most accomplished batters, Azam has scored 4,481 runs in 62 Tests at an average of 42.67.
Having previously relinquished the captaincy in all formats before twice stepping down as white-ball skipper, he now returns to lead Pakistan’s Test side as they look to revive their fortunes in the World Test Championship.
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