Pakistan Names Babar Azam Test Captain — Replaces Masood Ahead of England Series

July 8, 2026 — Vikram Patel 4 min read

Pakistan has appointed Babar Azam as its new Test captain, replacing Shan Masood in a decision announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board on Thursday. The change comes just weeks before Pakistan is scheduled to face West Indies in a two-match Test series, followed by a high-profile tour of England. The PCB confirmed the appointment in a statement released in Lahore, ending months of speculation about Masood's future following a difficult run in the longest format.

PCB Announces Captaincy Change

The Pakistan Cricket Board acted swiftly after a review of the national team's recent Test performances. Masood, who took over as Test captain in early 2024, oversaw a disappointing 2-0 series defeat in South Africa earlier this year. Pakistan also suffered a home series loss to Bangladesh under his leadership. The board's decision to replace him after less than 12 months in charge signals a desire for immediate improvement in red-ball cricket.

Babar Azam, 30, brings extensive leadership experience to the role. He has already captained Pakistan in One Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals, guiding the team to the ICC T20 World Cup final in 2022. The PCB stated that appointing Babar as all-format captain was the logical step forward for Pakistani cricket.

Masood's Brief Tenure Ends

Shan Masood's time as Test captain produced mixed results. He led Pakistan in six Test matches, winning two and losing four. His team struggled particularly away from home, with heavy defeats in Australia and South Africa exposing technical weaknesses against quality pace attacks. The decision to remove him before the England series suggests the PCB views this as a crucial turning point for the Test program.

Masood, 35, is expected to remain in the playing XI as a batsman. He scored a fighting century against South Africa in the first Test at Centurion, showing he still possesses the skills to contribute as a player. His experience in England, where he played county cricket for Derbyshire, could prove valuable to the team.

England Series Raises Stakes

The timing of this appointment places enormous pressure on Babar Azam. Pakistan is scheduled to tour England for a three-match Test series starting in July. England, under Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, has been one of the most aggressive Test teams in recent years. Pakistan must improve significantly from their recent overseas performances to compete.

The West Indies series, beginning in July, serves as preparation for the England tour. Pakistan will play two Tests in the Caribbean, providing Babar with his first opportunity to stamp his authority on the role. Both matches will be held in Bridgetown and Kingston, venues known for their pace-friendly pitches.

Babar's Leadership Record

Babar Azam has built a reputation as one of the most consistent batsmen in world cricket. He currently ranks third in the ICC Test batting rankings and has scored 11 Test centuries since his debut in 2015. His calm demeanor and tactical awareness have drawn praise from former players and opponents alike.

As white-ball captain, Babar guided Pakistan to series wins over New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. However, questions remain about whether his leadership style will translate equally well to the five-day format, where patience and strategic flexibility are paramount.

What Comes Next for Pakistan

Pakistan's Test cricket has struggled for consistency in recent years. The team has cycled through four captains since 2021, highlighting the instability that has plagued the red-ball program. Babar's appointment aims to end this rotation by providing a long-term leader across all formats. The PCB has backed him to restore Pakistan's reputation as a competitive Test nation.

Fans in Pakistan have reacted with cautious optimism to the news. Social media posts showed mixed feelings, with some praising the decision and others questioning whether the change will address deeper structural problems within Pakistani cricket. The next three months will determine whether this gamble pays off.

Series Schedule and Key Dates

Pakistan's immediate schedule includes the West Indies Tests in mid-July, followed by a brief training camp before departing for England. The first Test against England is scheduled to begin on July 10 at Lord's Cricket Ground. The series continues with matches at Old Trafford and The Oval. Pakistan last won a Test series in England in 2018, when Sarfaraz Ahmed captained the side to a 2-1 victory.

Babar Azam will announce his first Test squad as captain next week. The selection of the playing XI, particularly the batting order and pace attack combination, will provide early clues about his tactical approach to the role. The PCB has given him full authority over selection matters, according to the official announcement.

Looking Ahead

The pressure on Babar Azam to deliver results is immense. Pakistan's next six months of Test cricket will define his tenure as captain. Strong performances against West Indies and England could restore pride in the Test program, while another string of overseas defeats would raise fresh questions about the direction of Pakistani cricket. The cricket world will be watching closely as one of the game's most talented batsmen attempts to prove himself as a leader in the five-day format.