Pakistan Test Squad 2026 has officially been announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the upcoming Test tours of the West Indies and England. The selection committee has named a 16-member squad for the West Indies series and a 17-member squad for the England tour, with Babar Azam returning as Pakistan’s Test captain.
The squad was unveiled during a press conference in Lahore by selection committee member Aaqib Javed. The announcement marks a significant leadership change as Pakistan prepares to begin its new ICC World Test Championship campaign with two challenging overseas series.
🏏 Babar Azam Returns as Test Captain
The Pakistan Cricket Board has handed the Test captaincy back to Babar Azam ahead of the upcoming tours.
The experienced batter replaces Shan Masood and will lead the national side in both the West Indies and England Test series.
Selectors expressed confidence that Babar’s leadership and experience will strengthen Pakistan’s performance during an important phase of the World Test Championship.
📋 West Indies Tour Squad Announced
Pakistan will first travel to the West Indies for a two-match Test series scheduled from 25 July to 6 August.
The 16-member squad includes:
- Babar Azam (Captain)
- Shan Masood
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Azan Awais
- Abdullah Fazal
- Salman Ali Agha
- Muhammad Rizwan
- Muhammad Ghazi Ghori
- Sajid Khan
- Ali Usman
- Aamir Jamal
- Muhammad Abbas
- Muhammad Ali
- Ubaid Shah
- Muhammad Awais Zafar
- Khurram Shahzad
The selectors have also included several emerging players as part of Pakistan’s long-term Test plans.
🏴 England Tour Squad Features One Addition
Following the Caribbean series, Pakistan will tour England for a three-match Test series from 19 August to 13 September.
The England squad largely remains unchanged, with Saud Shakeel added as the 17th player, subject to fitness clearance.
According to the selection committee, his inclusion will depend on successfully completing rehabilitation before the team departs.
🌍 Busy Overseas Schedule Ahead
Pakistan faces an important overseas assignment against two competitive opponents.
The team will begin its tour in the West Indies before travelling directly to England for a demanding three-Test series.
The upcoming fixtures are expected to play an important role in Pakistan’s ICC World Test Championship campaign and provide valuable experience for several young players included in the squad.
⭐ Blend of Experience and Young Talent
The selection committee has opted for a balanced squad featuring experienced international cricketers alongside promising domestic performers.
Senior players such as Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan, Shan Masood, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha and Muhammad Abbas provide experience, while youngsters including Azan Awais, Abdullah Fazal, Ubaid Shah and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori have earned opportunities after impressive domestic performances.
Selectors believe the combination offers stability while also preparing the next generation of Test cricketers.
📈 Focus on World Test Championship
The PCB views both overseas tours as a crucial opportunity to improve Pakistan’s standing in the ICC World Test Championship.
Team management hopes the leadership change, combined with a refreshed squad, will help deliver stronger performances in challenging overseas conditions.
Cricket fans will now look forward to seeing how Pakistan performs under Babar Azam’s leadership during two important Test series later this summer.