ISLAMABAD: Ahead of the departure of the national team for the two-match Test series against the West Indies, Pakistan’s newly appointed Test captain Babar Azam has shared a heartfelt message.
Before the team’s departure, Babar took to his official ‘X’ account again to express his pride at leading Pakistan in the longest format, saying he was honored by the responsibility and ready to take on the challenges ahead and urged fans to keep the team in their prayers.
“Back on track. Honored with responsibility and ready for what’s to come. Keep us in your prayers,” Babur wrote.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently announced Babar as the new Test captain to replace Shaun Masood ahead of the West Indies and England tours.
Babar returned to the role with an impressive record in the longest form, captaining Pakistan between 2020 and 2023. He led the team in 20 Tests in his debut, winning 10, losing six and drawing 4.
Masood was appointed Test captain ahead of Pakistan’s 2023 tour of Australia, where his tenure began with a 3–0 series defeat. He captained 16 Test matches, recording four wins and 12 losses and finishing with a 25 percent win rate.
As part of its preparations, Pakistan is playing a four-day practice match starting July 18 before the start of the Test series.
The 2-match series against the West Indies will be played in Trinidad and Tobago. The first Test will be held from July 25 to 29 and the second Test from August 2 to 6.
The upcoming tour will be Pakistan’s first red-ball assignment in the Caribbean since 2021, when the two teams drew the two-match Test series 1-1.
Pakistan and West Indies have played a total of 54 Test matches. West Indies have 19 wins while Pakistan have 21 head-to-head record. The remaining 14 matches ended in draws.
For the uninitiated, Pakistan are currently at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings, having recorded one win and three losses in four matches. They have accumulated four points and have a points percentage (PCT) of 8.33.
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