Babar Azam Returns as Test Captain
Veteran Pakistan batter Babar Azam has been reappointed as Test captain for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against the West Indies and England, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on July 5, 2026. Babar replaces Shan Masood, who had led the side in the previous series.
Squads Announced for Two Tours
The PCB unveiled separate squads for the two-Test series in the Caribbean starting July 25, and the three-Test tour of England beginning August 19. Both series are part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
Four uncapped players have been included: left-arm spinner Ali Usman, batter Muhammad Awais Zafar, fast bowler Ubaid Shah, and wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori. They are in line to make their Test debuts during these tours.
Saud Shakeel Subject to Fitness
Batter Saud Shakeel has been named in the squad for the England series, but his selection is conditional on passing a fitness test ahead of the tour.
Pakistan's WTC Standings
Pakistan are currently placed ninth in the World Test Championship standings, and these series are crucial for improving their position.
Full Squads
Pakistan 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, Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah.
Pakistan 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.
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.
