Babar Azam returns as Pakistan Test captain for the West Indies and England tours

Babar Azam has been reappointed as Pakistan's Test captain for the upcoming back-to-back tours of the West Indies and England, marking a second stint at the helm in the longest format. The decision, confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board's national selection committee at a press conference in Lahore, brings an end to Shan Masood's troubled tenure as red-ball skipper.

The announcement, made at the Gaddafi Stadium, saw Babar named captain for both series as Pakistan look to revive their fortunes in the World Test Championship following a difficult run of results.

End of the road for Masood

The move follows a chastening period under Masood, who had held the captaincy for nearly three years since taking over ahead of the tour of Australia. Under his leadership, Pakistan won only four of their 16 Tests, losing 12 — a record that ultimately proved unsustainable.

A recent home whitewash against Bangladesh is understood to have been the final straw for the selectors. Masood's struggles were historic in nature, marking the first instance of a Pakistan captain losing 12 of his first 16 matches in charge, with only Misbah-ul-Haq having suffered more Test defeats overall as skipper.

Babar's second coming

For Babar, it represents a return to a role he previously held before Masood's appointment. The Aaqib Javed-led selection panel has once again placed its faith in the star batter's leadership to spearhead a revival in Pakistan's Test cricket.

The reappointment comes at a demanding time, with Babar set to lead Pakistan through a packed schedule that includes the overseas assignments against the West Indies and England, followed by a busy home winter featuring series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

The tour schedule

Pakistan will first play a two-match Test series against the West Indies from July 25 to August 6. Those matches are scheduled at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba and the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain.

The side will then travel to England for a three-match series running from August 19 to September 13, with games slated for Leeds, Lord's and Birmingham. Both tours form part of Pakistan's World Test Championship campaign.

The squads

A 16-member squad has been named for the West Indies leg, with a 17th player added for the England series. Saud Shakeel has been included for the England tour subject to passing a fitness test before the series begins.

Alongside Babar, the squad features established names such as Mohammad Rizwan, Shan Masood, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Abbas and Sajid Khan, blending experience with fresh faces as Pakistan look to rebuild.

Chances for the uncapped

Four uncapped players have been handed the opportunity to press for a maiden Test cap across the two squads. They are left-arm spinner Ali Usman, right-handed batter Muhammad Awais Zafar, right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah and wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori.

Their inclusion signals an intent from the selectors to invest in emerging talent as they look towards the future, while surrounding them with a core of seasoned campaigners for the challenging conditions ahead.

A weight of expectation

Babar's reappointment is not without its risks. His previous returns to captaincy have not always yielded the desired results, and he will be acutely aware of the pressure to deliver improved performances, particularly in testing away conditions.

Nonetheless, the selectors are banking on his stature and experience to galvanise a side badly in need of a lift. Restoring belief and competitiveness in Pakistan's Test cricket will be the primary objective of his renewed tenure.

The final word

Babar Azam's return to the Test captaincy signals a fresh start for a Pakistan side eager to move on from a difficult chapter. With demanding tours of the West Indies and England on the horizon, the appointment will be judged on results against quality opposition. For Babar, it is a chance to rewrite his leadership story — and for Pakistan, a hopeful step towards revival in the game's oldest format.