Babar Azam returns as Pakistan Test captain for West Indies and England series

Babar Azam has been reappointed as Pakistan's Test captain, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced, as squads were revealed for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against the West Indies and England. Azam takes over the captaincy from Shan Masood.

He will lead the national team in a two-Test series in the West Indies, commencing on July 25, followed by a three-Test tour of England starting August 19. These matches are part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.

The squads for these tours feature four new players who are in contention for their Test debuts: left-arm spinner Ali Usman, batter Muhammad Awais Zafar, fast bowler Ubaid Shah, and wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori. Additionally, Saud Shakeel has been named in the squad for the England series, contingent on him passing a fitness assessment before the tour.

Pakistan is currently positioned ninth in the World Test Championship standings. The inclusion of new talent alongside the experienced Azam signals a potential shift in the team's strategy as they aim to improve their standing in the championship.