Pakistan rules Babar Azam out of the first Test against England at Headingley, beginning Wednesday. The Pakistan team announces Salman Ali Agha as the new captain for the match.
The decision affects Pakistan’s leadership for the opening game of the series, while the rest of the squad prepares for the Test without Azam. Both reports frame the change primarily around the confirmed absence of Babar and the resulting need to appoint a replacement captain. The outlets also tie the announcement to the specific venue and start date, indicating the team’s focus on immediate preparations for Headingley.
Across the available information, the main points are consistent: Babar Azam does not play the first Test, and Salman Ali Agha takes over as Pakistan’s captain for that fixture. Any broader discussion of squad adjustments or the underlying reason for Azam’s exclusion is not included in the provided excerpts.
