India, July 8 -- Pakistan men's cricket team will return to action for the first time since May earlier this year when it takes on Sri Lanka in a two-Test series, starting July 16. The series will also mark the beginning of Pakistan's campaign in the new World Test Championship cycle; the side had endured a forgettable 2021-23 cycle in the tournament, failing to register a single home win. In fact, in the past year, Pakistan won only one Test in nine (against Sri Lanka), while conceding home series losses to Australia and England.

Babar Azam's captaincy in the longest format of the game came under scanner following a dismal home season, and the question was raised again as the side begins its campaign in the new cycle. Ahead of the side'...