Former captain and legendary batsman Babar Azam has emerged as a leading contender to captain the national Test side for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England.
The sources reveal that Babar’s name has been put forward alongside incumbent Test captain Shan Masood, with several Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials backing the star batter to take over the leadership role. The proposal has gained momentum as the board weighs its options ahead of the crucial overseas assignments.
However, a section of PCB officials remains in favour of retaining Shan Masood, believing he deserves another opportunity to lead the Test side through the England tour before any change is made. Meanwhile, other board officials believe Shan Masood should be given another opportunity to lead the Test side until the conclusion of the England tour.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will make the final decision regarding the Test captaincy. The captain and the squad are expected to be announced after the chairman returns to Pakistan.
The Pakistan Test squad is likely to be announced on Monday or Tuesday. Following the announcement, the selected 16-member squad will report to Islamabad on July 8 for a short training camp before departing for the West Indies on July 13 or 14.
Pakistan is scheduled to play a two-match Test series against the West Indies, followed by a three-Test series against England.
It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan are expected to depart for the West Indies on 13 July, where they will play a four-day warm-up match beginning on 18 July.
The two-Test series against the West Indies will be held in Trinidad and Tobago, with the first Test scheduled from 25-29 July and the second from 2-6 August. Following the Caribbean tour, Pakistan will travel to England for a three-Test series.
The opening Test will be played at Headingley, Leeds from 19 August, followed by the second Test at Lord’s from 27 August and the final Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham from 9 September.
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