In a major leadership overhaul, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reinstated star batter Babar Azam as captain of the national Test side, replacing Shan Masood ahead of two crucial ICC World Test Championship assignments against the West Indies and England.
The decision marks Babar’s return to the Test captaincy nearly three years after he stepped down from leadership across formats. He will lead Pakistan in the two-Test series against the West Indies from July 25 to August 6, followed by a three-Test series in England beginning August 19.
Shan Masood, who succeeded Babar as Test captain in November 2023, was removed following a disappointing stint in charge. Under his leadership, Pakistan played 16 Tests and lost 12 of them, with the team’s performances coming under severe criticism after a 2-0 home series defeat to Bangladesh. Despite being removed as captain, Masood has retained his place in the Test squad as a specialist batter.
The PCB has retained faith in several experienced campaigners, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Abbas, Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali and Aamir Jamal, while also injecting fresh talent into the side.
In a significant move aimed at rebuilding the red-ball side, the selectors have handed maiden Test call-ups to four uncapped cricketers—left-arm spinner Ali Usman, batter Muhammad Awais Zafar, fast bowler Ubaid Shah and wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori. Saud Shakeel has been included for the England tour, subject to clearing a fitness test.
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Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming Test assignments comprises 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 and Ubaid Shah. Saud Shakeel will join the England tour if declared fit.
The leadership change comes at a crucial juncture for Pakistan, which is currently placed at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship standings. The PCB hopes Babar’s return at the helm, coupled with a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, will revive the team’s fortunes in the ongoing WTC cycle.
The latest reshuffle also means Pakistan will continue with different captains across formats. Babar Azam will now lead the Test side, Mohammad Rizwan remains the ODI captain, while Salman Ali Agha continues as captain of the T20 International team.
The appointment signals another significant change in Pakistan cricket’s leadership strategy as the PCB seeks consistency and improved results in the longest format of the game after a prolonged period of instability.
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