LAHORE: Babar Azam has been reappointed as captain of the Pakistan Test team ahead of the national side’s tours of England and the West Indies in 2026.
The decision indicates Babar’s return to the leadership role after previously serving as Pakistan’s Test captain from 2020 to 2023.
The announcement comes as part of the Pakistan Test squad revealed for the upcoming overseas assignments.
The selected Test squad includes Babar Azam (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Owais Zafar, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Ubaid Shah, and Shan Masood.
The squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, indicating the selectors’ strategy of building a competitive unit capable of performing in overseas conditions.
The inclusion of senior players alongside promising youngsters is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s prospects during the demanding tours.
Meanwhile, the selection committee has made several notable changes to the squad. Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been left out of the Test squad, while experienced spinner Noman Ali has also not been included for the upcoming series.
The omission of these experienced players is likely to generate discussion among cricket followers, although no official explanation regarding the selection decisions has been released.
The changes indicate a renewed approach as Pakistan looks to assemble a balanced squad for the overseas Test assignments.
Babar Azam’s return as Test captain is expected to attract considerable attention from fans and cricket analysts alike.
The Pakistan team will now begin preparations for the England and West Indies tours, with expectations high that the new-look squad, under Babar Azam’s leadership, will aim to deliver competitive performances and positive results in the upcoming Test series.
