lahore: The Pakistan cricket selectors have unveiled their squad for the second and third Test matches against England, scheduled to take place in Multan and Rawalpindi on 15 and 24 October, respectively.
In light of the current performance and fitness levels of key players, and considering Pakistan’s upcoming commitments in the 2024-25 international cricket season, the selectors have opted to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Abrar Ahmed, who is recovering from dengue fever, was also unavailable for selection.Malaysian PM’s State Visit to Pakistan: Key Agreements Signed
These four players have been replaced by uncapped players Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Kamran Ghulam, as well as fast bowler Mohammad Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan. Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were initially part of the original squad for the first Test but were later released, have also been included in the 16-player lineup.
Squad for 2nd and 3rd Tests:
- Shan Masood (captain)
- Saud Shakeel (vice-captain)
- Aamir Jamal
- Abdullah Shafique
- Haseebullah (wicket-keeper)
- Kamran Ghulam
- Mehran Mumtaz
- Mir Hamza
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Huraira
- Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper)
- Noman Ali
- Saim Ayub
- Sajid Khan
- Salman Ali Agha
- Zahid Mehmood
Aqib Javed, a member of the men’s national selection committee, commented:
“Selecting the squad for the upcoming Tests against England has posed a significant challenge for the selectors. We’ve had to carefully evaluate player form, the need to rebound in the series, and Pakistan’s rigorous 2024-25 international schedule. Taking all these factors into account, and in the best interest of both Pakistan cricket and the players, we’ve decided to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
“We believe this break from international competition will enable these players to regain their fitness, confidence, and composure, ensuring they return in optimal condition for future challenges. They are among our top talents and have much to contribute to Pakistan cricket. We are dedicated to supporting them during this time so they can return even stronger.
“At the same time, we are providing opportunities for uncapped players like Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam, along with Mohammad Ali, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mehmood. They now have the chance to demonstrate their skills against a strong England team. We believe they will step up and take full advantage of this opportunity in the remaining two Tests.”
Additionally, Haseebullah and Mehran Mumtaz, who were part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, have been replaced by Maaz Sadaqat and Rohail Nazir. The tournament is set to take place in Oman starting 18 October.
