Pakistan Drop Shaheen, Hasan and Noman for West Indies and England Tests Babar Azam has been reinstated as Pakistan’s Test captain, succeeding Shan Masood, who had led the team since December 2023. Azam’s return to the role marks a significant shift in leadership, with his first assignments as captain set to include a two-Test tour of the West Indies followed by a three-Test series in England. Masood, however, remains part of the squad, retaining his place in the 16-player group for the upcoming fixtures. The squad changes are notable, with senior fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Noman Ali all omitted from the touring party. Saud Shakeel, who missed the Bangladesh series due to fitness concerns, has been included in the England Test squad but is not traveling to the West Indies. The decision to drop the trio reflects concerns over their performance and the selectors’ focus on addressing pace issues in the team’s fast-bowling attack. Mohammad Ali and Aamir Jamal have been recalled to the squad, while young fast bowler Ubaid Shah, the youngest of the Shah brothers, and left-arm spinner Ali Usman have earned maiden call-ups. Awais Zafar, a right-hand middle-order batter, has also been added to the squad, replacing Shakeel. The inclusion of these players underscores the selectors’ emphasis on rejuvenating the pace battery and introducing fresh talent. Pakistan’s current position in the World Test Championship standings—bottom of the nine-team table with just one win from four matches—has prompted the selectors to prioritize a new-look pace attack. The previous pace battery, comprising Shaheen, Hasan, Mohammad Abbas, and Khurram Shahzad, faced criticism for declining speeds during the Bangladesh series.#babar_azam #shaheen_shah_afridi #shah_masood #hasan_ali #noman_ali
