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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday, October 13 announced 16-member squad for the second and third Test of the three-match Test series against England. After reports making round on the newly elected selection committee opting to drop Babar Azam , the side has rested the former Pakistan skipper, along with the pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.
With the second Test set to commence from Tuesday, October 15 at the Multan Cricket Stadium, the PCB has made some shocking steps as they have even decided to release wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed, along with wrist spinner Abrar Ahmed, who was rushed to the hospital.
Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah rested; replacements announced
With Babar Azam continuing his poor run of form off late, he has been rested, along with the pace duo of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. Wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed and wrist spinner Abrar Ahmed have also been left out as he is recovering from dengue fever. Four players including Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Kamran Ghulam and fast bowler Mohammad Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan have also been included in the side.
Moreover, Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were initially part of the squad and were released, have been included in the 16-player squad. “Selecting the squad for the upcoming Tests against England has been a challenging task for the selectors. We've had to carefully consider current player form, the urgency to bounce back in the series and Pakistan's demanding 2024-25 international schedule. With these factors in mind and in the best interest of Pakistan cricket as well as the players, we've made the decision to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi,” Aqib Javed, member of the men’s selection committee said.
Pakistan’s squad for second and third Test
Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wicketkeeper), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.
