Babar Azam Returns as Pakistan's Test Captain for Upcoming Series

Babar Azam has been reinstated as the Test captain of Pakistan ahead of the ICC World Test Championship series against West Indies and England. The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the squads, which include several uncapped players. The series kicks off with two Tests in the Caribbean, followed by three Tests in England. Key fitness concerns are also highlighted, particularly regarding Saud Shakeel. Read on for detailed squad lists and match schedules.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 5, 2026, 13:05 IST

Babar Azam Takes the Helm Again

Babar Azam, the seasoned batter from Pakistan, has been reinstated as the Test captain. This decision comes from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has revealed the teams for the forthcoming ICC World Test Championship matches against West Indies and England. Babar steps in for Shan Masood and is set to lead the team in a two-match series in the Caribbean starting on July 25, followed by a three-match tour of England commencing on August 19, as part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.

Squad Updates and Fitness Issues

The announced squads include four players yet to make their Test debuts: left-arm spinner Ali Usman, batter Muhammad Awais Zafar, fast bowler Ubaid Shah, and wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori. Additionally, Saud Shakeel has been named in the squad for the England series, contingent upon passing a fitness assessment prior to the tour.

Currently, Pakistan holds the ninth position in the World Test Championship standings.

Details of the Pakistan Squads

Squad for West Indies:

Babar Azam (c), 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, Ubaid Shah

Squad for England:

Babar Azam (c), 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, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness), Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah

Upcoming Series Schedule

West Indies Series:

First Test: July 25-29, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba

Second Test: August 2-6, Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain

England Series:

First Test: August 19-23, Leeds

Second Test: August 27-31, Lord's

Third Test: September 9-13, Birmingham.