Pakistan cricket 2026 is buzzing with a major leadership shake-up this week. Babar Azam is back as Pakistan Test captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been dropped, four uncapped players have earned their first call-up, and the team flies to the Caribbean for two Tests starting July 25. Here is everything you need to know about the latest Pakistan sports headlines today.
Babar Azam Returns as Pakistan Test Captain
The biggest Pakistan cricket 2026 news dropped on July 5, when the PCB made a bold call. The Pakistan Cricket Board reappointed Babar Azam as the new Test captain for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England. Babar replaces the struggling Shan Masood, marking his third distinct stint as Pakistan’s Test skipper.
Why was Masood removed? The numbers tell the story. Masood took over from Azam in December 2023 and led the side to 12 defeats in 16 Tests. Pakistan finished ninth and last in the previous World Test Championship cycle, and they again lie ninth in the current cycle after a 2-0 series defeat in Bangladesh in May.
“Azam will be our new Test captain as we feel that Masood could not lead as desired,” said Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed at the news conference to announce the squad. This will be Azam’s third spell in charge of the side, having stepped down in November 2023 and then again in October 2024.
Pakistan West Indies Tour Schedule and Fixtures
Pakistan fans, mark your calendars. Pakistan will play a two-match Test series against the West Indies from 25 July to 6 August, followed by a three-match Test series in England from 19 August to 13 September.
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Tour Match | 18-21 July 2026 | Tarouba, Trinidad |
| 1st Test, West Indies vs Pakistan | 25-29 July 2026 | Tarouba, Trinidad |
| 2nd Test, West Indies vs Pakistan | 2-6 August 2026 | Port of Spain, Trinidad |
| 1st Test, England vs Pakistan | 19 August 2026 | Headingley, Leeds |
| 2nd Test, England vs Pakistan | 27 August 2026 | Lord’s, London |
| 3rd Test, England vs Pakistan | 9 September 2026 | Edgbaston, Birmingham |
Pakistan Squad for West Indies Series
The selection committee made some brave calls for this Pakistan cricket 2026 squad. Fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali were omitted after being part of the squad that lost 2-0 in Bangladesh. In their place, the selectors have brought in fresh blood.
Selectors awarded a place to 20-year-old uncapped fast bowler Ubaid Shah, the younger brother of Naseem, who was himself left out of the squad. Uncapped middle-order batsman Awais Zafar and left-arm spinner Ali Usman were also included for the first time. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman, right-handed batter Muhammad Awais Zafar, right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah and wicket-keeper batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori are the uncapped players in the squad.
Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali are the three other fast bowlers selected. Saud Shakeel will join the squad for the England tour, subject to fitness.
Full 16-Member Squad for West Indies Tests
Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.
The Babar Challenge: Form and Leadership Together
Babar’s return is exciting for Pakistan fans but it comes with real pressure. He faces the dual challenge of rediscovering his own Test form while steering the team through two demanding overseas series that could shape Pakistan’s red-ball future. The West Indies and England tours will be a serious test of whether this squad can turn the corner in the World Test Championship standings.
What top media coverage has missed is the significance of Babar also being tipped to return as Pakistan’s T20I captain. Babar Azam is set to return as Pakistan’s T20I captain, replacing Salman Ali Agha. If confirmed, Babar will hold both red-ball and white-ball captaincy at the same time, something the PCB has avoided for years. That is a huge responsibility and something Pakistani fans will be watching very closely.
Pakistan National Chess Championship Kicks Off in Islamabad
Cricket is not the only Pakistan sports 2026 story today. The 35th Men’s and 10th Women’s National Chess Championship commenced in Islamabad on Friday, attracting more than 250 players from across Pakistan for a six-day battle of strategy and skill. PCF President Syed Zeeshan Naqvi said chess continues to grow rapidly among Pakistan’s youth, adding that the federation plans to expand the game’s reach by introducing school-level competitions to strengthen grassroots development.
The chess championship is a reminder that Pakistan sport in 2026 goes well beyond cricket. For a country trying to build its presence at future Olympics and Asian Games, events like these matter.
For the full official Pakistan Test squad announcement, visit the Pakistan Cricket Board official website. For upcoming Pakistan tour fixtures and stats, check out ESPNcricinfo’s Pakistan tour of West Indies 2026 page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Pakistan play their first Test in the West Indies in 2026?
Pakistan will play the first of two Tests against the West Indies in Tarouba, Trinidad, from July 25. A warm-up tour match starts on July 18 before the Test series begins.
Why was Shan Masood removed as Pakistan Test captain?
Pakistan won only four of the 16 Test matches under Masood’s leadership, suffering defeats in 12 games. The recent home series against Bangladesh, where Pakistan suffered another whitewash, is believed to have played a significant role in the decision.
Why was Shaheen Shah Afridi dropped from Pakistan’s Test squad?
The selectors dropped ace seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi from the Test squad for the away Tests. Pakistan’s selectors felt the pace attack needed fresh options and uncapped fast bowler Ubaid Shah, the younger brother of Naseem Shah, was brought in as a new face.
Is Saud Shakeel in Pakistan’s squad for the West Indies tour?
Saud Shakeel has been included as the 17th member for the England series only, subject to fitness. He was left out of the West Indies squad due to a fitness issue but Pakistan are hopeful he will be available for the England Tests.
