Pakistan has announced its squads for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series against the West Indies and England, with Babar Azam returning as the Test captain. The experienced batter replaces Shan Masood, who had led the side in recent Test matches.

Babar will captain Pakistan in a two-match Test series against the West Indies, beginning on July 25, followed by a three-match Test series in England starting on August 19. These five matches will play a crucial role in Pakistan’s World Test Championship campaign.

Four Uncapped Players Earn Call-Ups

The selectors have included four uncapped players in the squad, giving them an opportunity to make their Test debuts:

• Ali Usman (left-arm spinner)
• Muhammad Awais Zafar (right-handed batter)
• Ubaid Shah (right-arm fast bowler)
• Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper-batter)

All four players are in contention for their maiden Test caps during the upcoming tours.

Saud Shakeel Included Subject to Fitness

Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel has been named in the squad for the England series. However, his selection remains subject to proving his fitness before the tour begins.

Pakistan currently sits ninth in the ICC World Test Championship standings and will be aiming for a strong showing in both away series.

Pakistan Test Squad for West Indies

• Babar Azam (Captain)
• 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
• Shan Masood
• Ubaid Shah

Pakistan Test Squad for England

• Babar Azam (Captain)
• 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 vs Pakistan Test Series Schedule

First Test

• Date: July 25–29
• Venue: Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba

Second Test

• Date: August 2–6
• Venue: Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain

England vs Pakistan Test Series Schedule

First Test

• Date: August 19–23
• Venue: Headingley, Leeds

Second Test

• Date: August 27–31
• Venue: Lord’s, London

Third Test

• Date: September 9–13
• Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

With Babar Azam back at the helm, Pakistan will hope to improve its position in the World Test Championship standings. The return of an experienced captain, alongside the inclusion of four promising newcomers, adds fresh excitement ahead of two challenging overseas Test series against the West Indies and England.