Babar Azam Returns as Test Captain Following PCB’s Dismissal of Shan Masood

Pakistan has restored Babar Azam as the Test captain, taking over from Shan Masood before the forthcoming Test series against the West Indies and England, as announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday.

Masood, who assumed the captaincy from Babar in November 2023, resigns after a challenging period. The left-handed batsman led Pakistan in 16 Test matches, losing 12, and faced significant criticism following the team’s 2-0 defeat in a home series against Bangladesh in May.

Babar makes his return as Pakistan gears up for a two-Test series against the West Indies from July 25 to August 6, followed by a three-Test tour in England from August 19 to September 13.
PAKISTAN SQUAD FOR WEST INDIES AND ENGLAND SERIES

Babar Azam (captain), 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, Saud Shakeel (for England tour, subject to fitness clearance)