Pakistan appoints Babar Azam as Test captain before summer tours
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 6, 2026, 8:54 AM
Last updated Jul 6, 2026
Pakistan Cricket Board has reappointed Babar Azam as Test captain, replacing Shan Masood, ahead of a challenging summer schedule. Babar's return comes after Masood's tenure saw the team lose 12 of his 16 Tests, marking one of the bleakest periods in the team’s history. Babar led Pakistan previously from 2020 to 2023 with a mixed record. Now, he faces a crucial series against the West Indies and England, both formidable opponents and his first challenge in this second stint. His performance will be closely watched as the team seeks to improve after their recent string of losses.
- •Babar Azam returns as captain after a disappointing tenure by Shan Masood.
- •Masood lost 12 of 16 Tests, a historic low for Pakistan.
- •Pakistan prepares for a two-match series against West Indies in the Caribbean.
- •Babar previously led Pakistan to 10 wins in 20 Tests from 2020 to 2023.
- •Upcoming series against England will be Pakistan's first in six years.
- 8:54 AMYahoo Sports — Pakistan turn back to Babar Azam as Test captain again: A second chance to rebuild after the Shan Masood era
"With Pakistan getting ready for a long summer of Test cricket, star batsman Babar Azam gets a second chance to lead his national side after being reappointed as captain.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- ICC World Test Championship•Jul 5, 2026, 8:04 AMPakistan squad announced for West Indies and England Test series: Full team news as Babar Azam returns as captain
- ICC World Test Championship•Jul 4, 2026, 4:50 PMDinusha and Mendis defy West Indies, guide Sri Lanka to 402-5 in second test
- ICC World Test Championship•Jun 29, 2026, 7:54 AMWI vs SL 1st Test: Kemar Roach joins West Indies legends as hosts script record win over Sri Lanka
- ICC World Test Championship•Jun 28, 2026, 5:21 PMWest Indies in full control after Day 4 against Sri Lanka in first test
ICC World Test Championship•Jun 24, 2026, 7:18 PMWest Indies, Sri Lanka look to shake off rust after time away from Tests
Cricket•Jul 7, 2026, 12:04 PMEngland players overlooked as Women's Hundred captains are named
