Babar Azam returned as Pakistan’s Test captain, replacing Shaun Masood

LAHORE – Ahead of two crucial overseas Test tours, the Pakistan Cricket Board has named veteran Babar Azam as the national Test captain as the star player looks to bounce back with strong performances against the West Indies and England.

This was announced by the National Selection Committee of PCB during a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Officials also confirmed that the squad for the upcoming Test tours of West Indies and England will be announced later.

Babar’s return is his second spell as Pakistan’s Test captain. He previously led the team from 2020 to 2023, overseeing 20 Tests and leading the team to 10 victories, while suffering six defeats and recording four draws. His reappointment comes as Pakistan looks to revive its fortunes in the longest format after a difficult run under Masood.

Masood took over the Test captaincy in 2023 ahead of Pakistan’s tour of Australia, but his tenure failed to deliver the desired results. He captained the team in 16 Test matches, winning only 4 and losing 12, making his win ratio just 25.

One of the lowest points of his leadership came when Pakistan suffered a shock 2-0 home series defeat to Bangladesh – widely regarded as one of the team’s most disappointing Test performances in recent years.

Despite leading Pakistan in seven Test series, Masood’s only series win came in 2024, when the hosts won 2–1 against England. However, inconsistent performances elsewhere eventually brought his captaincy under scrutiny.

Pakistan’s immediate focus is now on the overseas schedule. The team is scheduled to leave for the West Indies on July 13, where they will play a four-day warm-up match starting July 18 before the first Test series.

The Caribbean Tour will play two Tests in Trinidad and Tobago, with the opening match scheduled from July 25 to 29 and the second from August 2 to 6.

After the West Indies assignment, Pakistan will travel to England for a three-Test series. The first Test will be played at Headingley, Leeds from August 19 to 23, followed by the second Test at Lord’s from August 27 to 31. The series concludes with the third and final Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham from September 9 to 13.

The post Babar Azam became Pakistan’s test captain in place of Shan Masood appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.

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