Pakistan is expected to hand Salman Ali Agha the captaincy for the first Test against England if Babar Azam is ruled out because of a hand injury. Babar hurt his right hand during Pakistan’s warm-up match against a County Select XI and remains doubtful for the opening game.
The first Test is scheduled to begin on August 19 at Headingley, Leeds. Pakistan’s three-match series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. The second Test will be played at Lord’s from August 27, followed by the third match at Edgbaston from September 9.
Babar was recently brought back as Pakistan’s Test captain, replacing Shan Masood. The Pakistan Cricket Board had named him captain for both the West Indies and England Test tours.
Salman already has leadership experience as Pakistan’s white-ball captain. If Babar fails to recover in time, he could now take charge of the Test side for the crucial opening match.
