Pakistan Cricket has once again turned to Babar Azam to lead its Test side after removing Shan Masood from the captaincy ahead of the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England. The decision comes after Pakistan endured another disappointing run in the longest format, with the team struggling for consistency under Masood's leadership.
The leadership change marks Babar's return as Test captain after previously stepping down from the role, with selectors hoping the star batter can guide Pakistan through a crucial phase in the World Test Championship cycle.
Shan Masood removed after disappointing run as Test captain
Masood's stint as Pakistan's Test captain lasted nearly three years but failed to deliver the desired results. During his tenure, Pakistan lost 12 of the 16 Tests he captained, including a series of heavy defeats away from home.
The recent home whitewash against Bangladesh is understood to have played a significant role in the selectors' decision. It marked the second time in two years that Bangladesh had swept Pakistan in a Test series, adding to previous whitewash defeats in Australia and South Africa.
With Pakistan's red-ball performances continuing to decline, the management opted for a leadership change ahead of two challenging overseas assignments.
Babar Azam returns as Pakistan prepare for West Indies & England tours
Despite enduring a lean run with the bat in Test cricket in recent months, Babar has been entrusted with leading the side once again. Pakistan also announced a 16-member squad for the two-Test series against the West Indies, while Saud Shakeel has been added as the 17th member for the subsequent England tour, subject to fitness.
The selectors have also included four uncapped players across the squads — left-arm spinner Ali Usman, batter Muhammad Awais Zafar, fast bowler Ubaid Shah, and wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori.
Pakistan begin their West Indies tour with the opening Test in Tarouba from July 25-29, followed by the second Test in Port of Spain from August 2-6. The team will then travel to England for a three-match Test series scheduled to be played in Leeds, Lord's, and Birmingham between August 19 and September 13.