Babar Azam Returns as Pakistan Test Captain for West Indies, England Tours!
Babar Azam Returns as Pakistan Test Captain for West Indies, England Tours!
Big news in Pakistan cricket! Babar Azam is back leading the Test squad for crucial series against West Indies and England. Can he turn Pakistan's fortunes around? Get ready for exciting Test action!
Cricket fans, get ready for a major leadership change in Pakistan cricket! Star batsman Babar Azam has been reappointed as the Test captain, marking his third stint at the helm. This pivotal decision comes as Pakistan prepares for challenging tours against the West Indies and England.
Azam steps in to replace Shan Masood, whose tenure saw a challenging run of results. Under Masood, Pakistan endured 12 defeats in 16 Tests since December 2023. The team also finished a disappointing ninth in the last World Test Championship cycle and currently sits in the same position after a 0-2 series loss to Bangladesh in May.
Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed confirmed the change on Sunday, July 5, stating, "Azam will be our new Test captain as we feel that Masood could not lead as desired." Javed emphasized that the selection committee considered Azam the best option to lead the side forward. Azam previously stepped down from the captaincy in November 2023 and again in October 2024, making this comeback a significant moment for both him and the team.
The immediate challenge for Azam and his squad will be a two-Test series against the West Indies. The first Test is scheduled to begin on July 25 in Tarouba, Trinidad, followed by the second Test starting August 2 in Port-of-Spain.
Following their Caribbean challenge, Pakistan will head to England for another high-stakes Test series. Three Tests are planned, starting at Headingley on August 19, then moving to Lord's from August 27, and concluding at Edgbaston from September 9.
The squad for these tours also sees some notable changes. Experienced fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali have been omitted, having been part of the side that lost in Bangladesh. Exciting new talent includes 20-year-old uncapped fast bowler Ubaid Shah, younger brother of Naseem, along with uncapped middle-order batsman Awais Zafar and left-arm spinner Ali Usman. Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, and Mohammad Ali complete the fast-bowling contingent.
