Babar Azam shockingly reappointed as captain as Pakistan announce squad for West Indies & England tour
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Babar Azam was sacked as captain of Pakistan in 2023.
Pakistan will play a two-match Test series against the West Indies from 25 July to 6 August, followed by a three-match Test series in England from 19 August to 13 September.
With both tours around the corner, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have once again opted for a leadership change in the Test setup as the team management look to reset ahead of a crucial period in the red-ball calendar.
After months of discussion regarding their inability to perform consistently in Test matches away from home and failing to record positive results at home, this decision was made.
Shan Masood sacked, Babar Azam reappointed as Test captain
In what has been a shocking decision, Shan Masood has been removed as captain of Pakistan’s Test team. He was named as skipper in November 2023 after Babar Azam resigned from all captaincy duties across all formats after the 2023 World Cup.
Babar had previously led Pakistan in Test cricket before stepping down from the role in late 2023. The right-handed batter was later reappointed as Pakistan’s white-ball captain in 2024 before relinquishing those responsibilities again to focus on his batting.
Pakistan announced a 16-member squad for the West Indies series, while a 17-member squad has been announced for the England series. Saud Shakeel has been named for the England series, subject to fitness.
Left-arm spinner Ali Usman, right-handed batter Muhammad Awais Zafar, right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah and wicket-keeper batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori are the uncapped players in the squad.
Pakistan Test squad for West Indies series
Babar Azam (C), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam ul Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (WK), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.
Pakistan squad for England series
Babar Azam (C), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam ul Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (WK), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah
Why did Babar Azam step down from captaincy in 2023?
Babar stepped down from captaincy across formats following Pakistan’s campaign at the 2023 ODI World Cup.
How long did Shan Masood serve as Pakistan’s Test captain?
Shan Masood served as Pakistan’s Test captain from November 2023 until the 2026 leadership change.
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Anubha Anandita Pathak is a sports enthusiast with a strong passion for cricket and basketball, shaped by her experience as a district-level basketball and kabaddi player. A loyal Golden State Warriors supporter, she closely follows Stephen Curry’s style of play. With on-ground reporting experience covering the Indian Super League and Karnataka’s hockey circuit, Anubha brings both perspective and passion to her storytelling.