ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s reappointed Test captain Babar Azam penned a heartfelt message before departing for the upcoming tour of the West Indies.
A week earlier, the right-handed batter was handed the reins of the Test team following Shan Masood’s removal. The latter managed to win only four of his 16 games in charge, recording a win percentage of 25%. Under his leadership, Pakistan finished ninth in the previous World Test Championship cycle.
Babar took to social media to express his pride at returining as Test captain.
“Back on the road. Honoured by the responsibility and ready for what’s ahead. Keep us in your prayers,” Babar wrote.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
The top-order batter will begin his third stint as Pakistan’s Test captain, having previously stepped down in November 2023 and again in October 2024.
Overall, he boasts an impressive record in the Test format, winning 10 out of 20 matches and losing six while four resulted in draw in between 2020 and 2023.
Pakistan will play the first of two Tests against the West Indies in Tarouba, Trinidad, from July 25. The second begins in Port-of-Spain from August 2.
As part of their preparations, Pakistan will play a four-day practice match starting on July 18 before the Test series gets underway.
They will then travel to England for a three-Test series, with fixtures at Headingley, beginning on August 19, Lord’s from August 27 and Edgbaston starting on September 9.
Pakistan squad
Babar Azam (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Agha, Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness for England)
READ: India outclass England to complete historic Test win at Lord’s
