PCB Announced Pakistan's Test Squad For WI and Eng Tours

LAHORE: The PCB announced Pakistan's Test Squad on Sunday for the national team's upcoming away assignments in the Caribbean and England. The squads feature a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talent, with Babar Azam reinstated as Test captain as Pakistan prepare for five overseas matches between July and September.

The leadership change is among the biggest decisions taken by the selectors, with Babar replacing Shan Masood, who remains part of both touring squads as a specialist batter. The announcement was made during a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium by members of the selection committee, including Aaqib Javed, Asad Shafiq and Misbah-ul-Haq.

Fresh faces rewarded as selectors retain faith in youth

As PCB announced squad for WI and Eng Tours, three players received their maiden Test call-ups. Ali Usman, Mohammad Awais Zafar and fast bowler Ubaid Shah have been rewarded after consistent performances in domestic cricket.

The selectors have also retained Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal despite Pakistan's 2-0 defeat to Bangladesh, backing the young batters to build on their recent Test debuts. All-rounder Aamer Jamal returns to the red-ball setup after missing Pakistan's previous Test campaign, while Mohammad Rizwan is available again after recovering from injury.

There is only one difference between the two touring squads. Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel has not been selected for the West Indies leg but has been included for the England series, subject to medical clearance.

Pace attack preferred for overseas conditions

Pakistan have opted for a pace-oriented attack, with Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Ubaid Shah and Khurram Shahzad expected to shoulder the fast-bowling responsibilities. Sajid Khan is the lone specialist spinner, while Salman Ali Agha provides another spin option.

The tours carry added importance for Pakistan, who are currently at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings after collecting four points from their opening four matches. The team will leave for the West Indies on July 13 and play a four-day warm-up fixture before the Test series begins.

Pakistan’s 16-Member Squad for West Indies Test series

Babar Azam (c), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah.

West Indies Test Series Schedule

• July 25-29 – First Test, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba.
• August 2-6 – Second Test, Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain.

Pakistan’s 17-Member Squad for England Test series

Babar Azam (c), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel* (subject to fitness), Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah.

England Test Series Schedule

• August 19-23 – First Test, Leeds.
• August 27-31 – Second Test, Lord's, London. 
• September 9-13 – Third Test, Birmingham.