The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the Test squads for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England on Sunday, with Babar Azam retaining the captaincy for both series. The announcement was made by the Pakistan Men’s National Selection Committee during a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
West Indies Test Series
Pakistan will play a two-match Test series against the West Indies from July 25 to August 6. The first Test is scheduled at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba from July 25 to 29, while the second Test will be held at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain from August 2 to 6. A 16-member squad has been named for this series, featuring four uncapped players: left-arm spinner Ali Usman, right-handed batter Muhammad Awais Zafar, right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah, and wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori.
England Test Series
Following the West Indies tour, Pakistan will travel to England for a three-match Test series from August 19 to September 13. The matches will be played at Headingley in Leeds (August 19-23), Lord's in London (August 27-31), and Edgbaston in Birmingham (September 9-13). A 17-member squad has been selected for this series, including Saud Shakeel as the additional member, subject to fitness clearance. The squad also includes the same four uncapped players.
Squad Lists
16-member squad for West Indies series: Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam ul Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood, and Ubaid Shah.
17-member squad for England series: Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam ul Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness), Shan Masood, and Ubaid Shah.
The PCB stated that the selection committee has focused on a blend of experience and youth, with the uncapped players given opportunities based on their domestic performances. Babar Azam will continue to lead the side as captain, aiming to build on recent Test performances.
