Babar Azam returns as Pakistan test captain

Babar Azam has been reinstated as Pakistan’s Test captain for the upcoming tours of West Indies and England, replacing Shan Masood after a prolonged stretch of poor results. Masood, appointed nearly three years ago, oversaw 16 Tests and suffered 12 defeats, including recent whitewashes against Bangladesh that ultimately sealed his fate. His tenure also featured heavy losses in Australia and South Africa, leaving selectors with little choice but to make a change.

Babar, who previously captained Pakistan in the format, returns to the role despite his own dip in Test form. A 16‑man squad has been named for the West Indies series, with Saud Shakeel added as a conditional seventeenth member for the England tour. Four uncapped players, Ali Usman, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Ubaid Shah and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, have been included.

Pakistan play two Tests in the Caribbean from July 25 to August 6 before a three‑match series in England.