Pakistan, July 6 -- Babar Azam has returned as Pakistan's Test captain for a third time after the Pakistan Cricket Board replaced Shan Masood ahead of the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England. The leadership change follows Pakistan's disappointing run in red-ball cricket, with the team remaining at the bottom of the current World Test Championship standings.

Chief selector Aqib Javed said the selection committee, which included Misbah-ul-Haq, unanimously backed Babar Azam for the role after reviewing Shan Masood's tenure. Masood captained Pakistan in 16 Tests after taking charge in December 2023, but the team suffered 12 defeats and finished last in the previous World Test Championship cycle.

Aqib Javed acknowledged that Shan M...