PCB recalls Babar Azam to lead the Test side as four uncapped players earn maiden call-ups for crucial overseas assignments.
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced Pakistan’s Test squads for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England, confirming the return of Babar Azam as the national Test captain in a significant leadership overhaul ahead of two challenging overseas series.
The squads were unveiled at a press conference in Lahore by the PCB selection committee comprising Aqib Javed, Asad Shafiq and Misbah-ul-Haq.
A 16-member squad has been selected for the two-Test series against the West Indies, while a 17-member squad has been named for the three-Test tour of England. Saud Shakeel has been included as the 17th member for the England series, subject to medical clearance.
Four uncapped players receive maiden Test call-ups
The selectors rewarded four emerging cricketers with their first-ever Test selections:
• Ali Usman (left-arm spinner)
• Muhammad Awais Zafar (right-handed batter)
• Ubaid Shah (right-arm fast bowler)
• Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper-batter)
All-rounder Aamer Jamal also returns to the Test squad for the first time since Pakistan’s 2025 series against South Africa.
Pakistan’s pace attack for the tours will feature Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Ubaid Shah and Khurram Shahzad, while Sajid Khan remains the lone specialist spinner. Salman Ali Agha is expected to provide additional spin support, with experienced left-arm spinner Noman Ali once again omitted.
PCB explains captaincy change
Addressing questions over the decision to replace Shan Masood with Babar Azam while retaining the same selection committee, Aqib Javed said each format is evaluated independently and leadership decisions are based on overall team performance.
He acknowledged Shan Masood’s individual contributions but noted that Pakistan’s Test results had fallen short of expectations.
“We have tried to bring about a change so that the team’s results improve,” Aqib Javed said.
He also pointed to the need for Pakistan’s fast bowlers to improve their pace and consistency in the longer format.
Misbah backs Babar Azam
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq defended the decision to restore Babar Azam as Test captain, saying consistency remains a key factor in leadership and selection decisions.
“Babar Azam can be utilised in all formats. We need to back him with confidence and decide where he can best serve the team,” Misbah said.
He also dismissed speculation that players left out of the latest squad had reached the end of their international careers.
Commenting on Pakistan’s pace resources, Misbah said both Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi need to play more first-class cricket, adding that the pair have struggled to replicate their best red-ball performances in recent matches.
Pakistan’s Test tour schedule
Pakistan will begin its overseas campaign with a two-match Test series against the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago.
• First Test: July 25–29
• Second Test: August 2–6
The team will then travel to England for a three-match Test series:
• First Test: Headingley, Leeds – August 19
• Second Test: Lord’s, London – August 27
• Third Test: Edgbaston, Birmingham – September 9
Pakistan Test squad
The squad comprises Babar Azam (captain), Aamer 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, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah. Saud Shakeel’s inclusion for the England tour remains subject to fitness clearance.
The PCB hopes the return of Babar Azam as Test captain, combined with the inclusion of promising young talent, will help Pakistan improve its performances in the World Test Championship and build momentum during the demanding tours of the West Indies and England.