Babar Azam named Pakistan Test captain for tours of West Indies and England

LAHORE: Pakistan on Sunday appointed Babar Azam as captain of the Test team for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England.

At a press conference in Lahore, Director High Performance Aaqib Javed along with Misba-ul Haq announced a 15-member squad.

Babar returns to lead the red-ball side as Pakistan prepares for a challenging overseas assignment.

The squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, with Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Abbas, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Shan Masood among the senior players selected.

All-rounder Aamer Jamal and fast bowlers Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali, Ali Usman and Ubaid Shah have also been named in the touring party.

Youngsters Abdullah Fazal, Azan Awais and Mohammad Owais Zafar retained their places, while wicketkeeper Mohammad Ghazi Ghori joins Rizwan as the second specialist wicketkeeper.

Pakistan’s Test squad for the tours of the West Indies and England:

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, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.

Aqib Javed said the selected squad strikes a balance between experience and youth as Pakistan seeks improved performances in overseas Test cricket.