Babar Azam Returns As Pakistan Begin West Indies Test Mission

Pakistan's journey to the Caribbean has started, but the spotlight is fixed on one man. Babar Azam is back in charge of the Test side, and the decision has already sparked debate across the cricket world.

The Pakistan Test Squad departed from Islamabad on Monday for the Caribbean, travelling through Doha and London before reaching Trinidad and Tobago. A demanding schedule awaits, beginning with a four-day warm-up match from July 18 before the opening Test on July 25.

Babar's return as captain came less than 24 hours before the team left Pakistan. The timing caught plenty of attention. The Pakistan Cricket Board replaced Shan Masood after an underwhelming run that produced only four wins in 16 Tests. The leadership switch has divided opinion, with supporters welcoming the return of an experienced captain while critics question another change at the top.

Babar Returns With Pressure Already Building

This is not unfamiliar territory for Babar. He previously led Pakistan in 20 Test matches, collecting 10 victories, six defeats and four draws. Those numbers compare favourably with his successor's record, yet they also raise expectations that results must improve immediately.

Before departure, Pakistan completed a three-day training camp in Rawalpindi followed by a two-day scenario match designed to simulate match pressure. Team management hopes those sessions will help players settle quickly in Caribbean conditions.

Babar also addressed fans before boarding the flight, saying he felt honoured to lead Pakistan once again and asking supporters to keep the team in their prayers. His message quickly gained traction as excitement around the tour continued to build.

The Pakistan vs West Indies Test Series carries extra importance because it forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Every result will shape the standings, leaving little room for slow starts.

Pakistan will face West Indies in the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba from July 25 to 29. The second match follows at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain from August 2 to 6.

For Babar Azam, this tour is about more than another overseas assignment. It is an opportunity to justify the PCB's decision, silence doubts surrounding the captaincy change and give the Pakistan Test Squad the winning start it desperately wants in the Pakistan vs West Indies Test Series.