LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the national Test squads for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England, with Babar Azam returning as captain of the Test side.
The squads were unveiled during a press conference in Lahore by the PCB selection committee, comprising Aqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Misbah-ul-Haq, and other officials.
Pakistan have named a 16-member squad for the two-Test series against the West Indies, while a 17-member squad has been selected for the subsequent tour of England. Saud Shakeel has been included for the England series, subject to receiving fitness clearance.
Four Uncapped Players Receive Maiden Call-Ups
The selectors have rewarded four emerging players with their first Test call-ups:
- Left-arm spinner Ali Usman
- Right-handed batter Muhammad Awais Zafar
- Right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah
- Wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori
Their inclusion reflects the PCB’s continued effort to strengthen the team’s bench strength and prepare young talent for international cricket.
Aamer Jamal Returns, Shaheen Afridi Left Out
All-rounder Aamer Jamal has returned to the Test squad for the first time since Pakistan’s series against South Africa in 2025.
Pakistan’s pace attack for the upcoming tours will include Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad and Ubaid Shah.
Notably, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been omitted from the squad, while experienced left-arm spinner Noman Ali also misses out after previously being left out of Pakistan’s Test tour of Bangladesh.
Selectors Explain Captaincy Change
Responding to questions about replacing Shan Masood as Test captain while retaining the selection committee, head coach and selector Aqib Javed said the panel evaluates performances separately across all three formats of the game.
He explained that captaincy carries additional responsibility and, although Shan Masood had performed well individually, the team’s overall results had not met expectations.
“We have tried to bring about a change so that the team’s results improve,” Aqib said.
He also acknowledged that the pace of Pakistan’s fast bowlers remains an area requiring further attention.
Misbah Backs Babar’s Appointment
Former Pakistan captain and selector Misbah-ul-Haq defended the decision to hand the Test captaincy back to Babar Azam, describing him as one of Pakistan’s most valuable cricketers across all formats.
Misbah said consistency remains the most important factor in player selection and leadership decisions.
“Babar Azam can be utilised in all formats. We need to back him with confidence and decide where he can best serve the team,” he said.
He also dismissed suggestions that players left out of the current squad had reached the end of their international careers, stressing that omissions should not be viewed as permanent.
Commenting on Pakistan’s bowling resources, Misbah said Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi need to play more first-class cricket to sharpen their red-ball skills, adding that neither bowler has been at his best in recent Test performances.
Pakistan’s Test Schedule
Pakistan will begin the new Test campaign with a two-match series against the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago.
- First Test: July 25–29
Second Test: August 2–6
Following the Caribbean tour, Pakistan will travel to England for a three-match Test series.
- First Test: Headingley, Leeds (August 19)
- Second Test: Lord’s, London (August 27)
- Third Test: Edgbaston, Birmingham (September 9)
The England series will provide Pakistan with one of their toughest red-ball challenges and will serve as an important test of the team’s new leadership under Babar Azam.
Pakistan Test Squad
Babar Azam (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.
Saud Shakeel’s selection for the England tour is subject to fitness clearance.
