ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will begin a fresh red-ball chapter in the Caribbean as Babar Azam returns to Test captaincy for a two-match series against the West Indies.
The series, scheduled from July 25 to August 6, comes at an important moment for Pakistan cricket, with a tougher three-match Test tour of England set to follow from August 19 to September 13.
Babar’s return is more than a leadership change. It is an attempt to rebuild Pakistan’s Test identity after an unstable period under Shan Masood, who replaced Babar in November 2023 but stepped down after a difficult run. Masood captained Pakistan in 16 Tests and lost 12 of them, with scrutiny increasing after a 2-0 home whitewash by Bangladesh in May.
For Babar, the challenge is clear. Pakistan need to rediscover the basics that once made them competitive in Test cricket: long batting partnerships, disciplined new-ball bowling, smart field settings and patience across five days.
The West Indies series offers the right stage for that reset. Caribbean conditions can test both technique and temperament. Pakistan’s batters will need to handle movement, bounce and slow phases, while the bowlers must avoid releasing pressure after building good spells.
The squad gives Babar enough experience to shape a stronger red-ball unit. Mohammad Rizwan, Imam ul Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Mohammad Abbas are among the names included, giving Pakistan a mix of senior batting presence and bowling control.
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However, the bigger issue is not only personnel. Pakistan have often looked uncertain in Test cricket because their approach changes too quickly from one series to another. Babar’s first task will be to create role clarity: who anchors the innings, who attacks, who controls one end with the ball, and who leads the fielding intensity.
The series is also personally important for Babar. His batting reputation remains strong, but captaincy will now be judged by whether Pakistan look more organised, more composed and more ruthless in decisive sessions.
A win in the West Indies would not solve every problem, but it would give Pakistan momentum before England. A poor showing, however, would deepen questions about leadership, selection and long-format planning.
For Pakistan, this tour is not just about two Tests. It is about whether Babar can turn a talented but inconsistent side into a team with a recognisable Test identity again.
