Babar Azam replaces Shan Masood as Pakistan Test captain for upcoming series against West Indies and England
Islamabad, July 5
Veteran Pakistan batter Babar Azam has been recalled as Test captain after the Pakistan Cricket Board announced the squads for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against the West Indies and England, according to the ICC.
Babar replaces Shan Masood and will lead the side in a two-Test series in the Caribbean starting July 25, followed by a three-Test tour of England beginning August 19 as part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
The squads also feature four uncapped players--left-arm spinner Ali Usman, batter Muhammad Awais Zafar, fast bowler Ubaid Shah, and wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori--who are in line to make their Test debuts.
Meanwhile, Saud Shakeel has been included in the squad for the England series, subject to passing a fitness test ahead of the tour.
Pakistan are currently placed ninth in the World Test Championship standings.
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
West Indies series schedule:
First Test: July 25-29, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, TaroubaSecond Test: August 2-6, Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Port of Spain
England series schedule:
First Test: August 19-23, LeedsSecond Test: August 27-31, Lord'sThird Test: September 9-13, Birmingham.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian cricket fan, I have to say Babar is one of the finest batters in the world right now. Leading Pakistan in England and West Indies will be a big test. I hope the PCB gives him full backing and doesn't interfere like they did with previous captains. The comeback of Mohammad Abbas is interesting too—he troubled our batsmen in 2018!
Shan Masood was given such a short run. He led with passion and his batting wasn't bad either 😅. PCB needs to stop this musical chairs with captains. Babar is good but the constant changes hurt team morale. Also, bringing in 4 uncapped players is exciting but risky—hopefully some young talent shines.
Being 9th in WTC standings is tough for a team with such rich history. The England tour will be brutal—those conditions and Dukes ball will test Babar's leadership. But I'm genuinely happy to see Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha in the squad—solid players. India-Pakistan rivalry aside, I want to see competitive Test cricket from them. 🇮🇳🤝🇵🇰
Honestly, I think Babar Azam is the best option they have for captaincy right now. His record speaks for itself. But why drop Shan Masood after just a few matches? That's so unfair 😤. Pakistan cricket needs to stop being so reactive. The team has talented youngsters—give them time to grow.
This is a decent decision from PCB. Babar has proven himself as a leader in limited overs. Let's see
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