LAHORE, July 5 (Alliance News): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 16-member Test squad for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England, with star batter Babar Azam returning as captain.
The squad was unveiled by PCB Selection Committee Chairman Aaqib Javed alongside committee members Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq during a press conference in Lahore.
Babar replaces Shan Masood, who has been relieved of the Test captaincy following an underwhelming run of results. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been recalled to the squad, while vice-captain Saud Shakeel has been dropped due to fitness concerns and poor form.
The 16-member squad comprises: Babar Azam (captain), Shan Masood, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Owais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan, and Ubaid Shah.
Speaking at the press conference, Aaqib Javed said Saud Shakeel is still recovering from injury and requires more time before returning to international cricket.
He expressed confidence in the team’s preparation for the Test series, adding that the revamped selection committee, which includes Misbah-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed, has been in place for only six months and should be given more time before its performance is judged.
Aaqib said the decision to appoint Babar Azam as captain was taken after Pakistan failed to achieve the desired results under Shan Masood’s leadership, with the aim of improving the team’s performance in the upcoming series.
Former Pakistan captain and selection committee member Misbah-ul-Haq stressed that consistency is the key to success in international cricket. He said both leadership and individual performances must be evaluated over time, with sustained consistency serving as the benchmark for success.
