Babar Azam back in charge as Pakistan make major changes for West Indies & England tour

Babar Azam has returned as Pakistan's Test captain, replacing Shan Masood, who had led the side since December 2024. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the leadership change on Sunday, with Babar set to begin his second stint in charge during the upcoming two-Test tour of the West Indies before leading the team in a three-match Test series in England.

The squad for the West Indies series also features several notable changes following Pakistan's disappointing 2-0 Test series defeat in Bangladesh earlier this year.

Experienced trio Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Noman Ali have all been left out of the 16-member squad. Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel is another high-profile omission. Addressing the decision, Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed revealed that Shakeel had been rested due to fitness concerns but expressed confidence that he would recover in time for the subsequent England tour.

Pakistan have, however, recalled Mohammad Ali and all-rounder Aamir Jamal, both of whom return to the Test setup after missing the Bangladesh series.

The selectors have also rewarded domestic performers with maiden Test call-ups. Fast bowler Ubaid Shah, the youngest among the Shah brothers, alongside Naseem Shah and Hunain Shah, has earned his first selection in the national Test squad. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman, who finished as the leading wicket-taker in the 2026-27 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, has also been included after an impressive domestic season.

Batter Awais Zafar completes the list of debutants, receiving his maiden Test call-up following consistent performances in Pakistan's domestic circuit.

With Babar back at the helm and several fresh faces added to the squad, Pakistan will be hoping to bounce back from recent setbacks and begin a new chapter in red-ball cricket with improved performances on their tours of the West Indies and England.

Babar Azam (capt), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam ul Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Mohammad Ghazi Ghouri, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah