LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced star batsman Babar Azam as Pakistan’s new Test captain, replacing opener Shaun Masood, ahead of the West Indies and England tours.

The announcement was made during a press conference held by the PCB’s National Selection Committee at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The board also confirmed that the squads for the two Test tours will be announced later today.

Babar, who captained Pakistan from 2020 to 2023, returned to the role with the longest form of captaincy. He led the team in 20 Test matches, recording 10 wins, six losses and four draws.

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 the national team in 16 Tests, winning four and losing 12, resulting in a win percentage of 25.

During his tenure, Pakistan suffered a 2–0 domestic series defeat against Bangladesh, one of the team’s most disappointing Test results in recent years.

In seven Test series under his leadership, Pakistan’s only series win came in 2024 when they beat England 2-1.

Pakistan will leave for the West Indies on July 13, where they will play a four-day practice match from July 18.

The 2-match Test series against the West Indies will be played in Trinidad and Tobago. The opening Test will be played from July 25 to 29 and the second from August 2 to 6.

Following the Caribbean tour, Pakistan travel to England for a three-match Test series.

The first Test will be played at Headingley in Leeds from August 19 to 23, while the second Test will be played at Lord’s from August 27 to 31. The series will conclude with the third and final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.

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