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Babar Azam Returns as Pakistan Test Captain for West Indies and England Tours; Four Uncapped Players Earn Call-ups

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Lahore, July 2026 : Pakistan have reinstated star batter Babar Azam as the captain of the national Test team, marking his return to leadership after nearly two years. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday also announced the squads for the upcoming Test tours of the West Indies and England, with four uncapped players receiving their maiden call-ups as the selectors look to strengthen the team’s bench ahead of two demanding overseas assignments.

The squads were unveiled by the Pakistan Men’s National Selection Committee during a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Babar Azam will lead the side in the two-Test series against the West Indies, beginning on July 25, before captaining Pakistan in a three-Test series against England starting on August 19.

A 16-member squad has been selected for the Caribbean tour, while a 17-member squad has been named for the England series. Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel has been included for the England tour, subject to clearing fitness assessments.

The announcement marks a significant chapter in Babar’s leadership journey. The 31-year-old had resigned as Pakistan captain across all three formats following the team’s disappointing group-stage exit from the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India.

Although he returned as captain of Pakistan’s ODI and T20I teams in March 2024, his second stint proved brief, lasting only six months before he stepped down again in October 2024. With his latest appointment, Babar now resumes charge of the Test side as Pakistan aim to improve their performances in overseas conditions.

The selectors have also opted to inject fresh talent into the squad by rewarding four promising domestic performers with their first Test call-ups.

Left-arm spinner Ali Usman, right-handed batter Muhammad Awais Zafar, fast bowler Ubaid Shah, and wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori have all earned places in the national squad. Their inclusion reflects the management’s efforts to build greater squad depth while preparing a new generation of players for the longest format of the game.

The experienced core of the team remains intact, with Mohammad Rizwan continuing as the first-choice wicketkeeper, while Shan Masood, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad retain their places.

Pakistan face a challenging assignment against the West Indies, where conditions are expected to favour both pace and spin. The subsequent tour of England will present an even sterner examination, with the visitors scheduled to play three Tests at some of the country’s most iconic venues.

The inclusion of Saud Shakeel for the England series, subject to fitness clearance, is expected to bolster Pakistan’s middle order. Shakeel has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most consistent Test batters in recent years and could play a key role if declared fit.

The England series is also seen as an important opportunity for Pakistan to improve their overseas Test record against one of the world’s strongest sides. Babar’s leadership and batting form will be under close scrutiny as the team seeks positive results in challenging conditions.

Pakistan Test Squad – West Indies Tour

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.

Pakistan Test Squad – England Tour

Series Schedule

Pakistan Tour of West Indies

July 25–29: 1st Test – Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba
August 2–6: 2nd Test – Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain

Pakistan Tour of England

August 19–23: 1st Test – Leeds
August 27–31: 2nd Test – Lord’s, London
September 9–13: 3rd Test – Birmingham

With Babar Azam back at the helm and several young faces added to the squad, Pakistan will hope to begin a new chapter in Test cricket and deliver strong performances during two crucial overseas series against the West Indies and England.

Team Maverick