Pakistan have named their 16-member squad for the second and third Test matches against England, with some significant changes following the team’s disappointing innings defeat in the first Test at Multan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to shake up the lineup in an effort to regain momentum in the series.
No place for Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and other senior players
One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the exclusion of former captain Babar Azam and star pacer Shaheen Afridi. Along with them, fast bowler Naseem Shah and veteran wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed have also been rested. The PCB, in a statement, emphasized that the decision was made to manage the workload of key players considering future international commitments. Spinner Abrar Ahmed was unavailable for selection as he is recovering from dengue fever.
“Taking into consideration the current form and fitness of key players and looking ahead to Pakistan’s future assignments in the 2024-25 international cricket season, the selectors have decided to give rest to Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi,” said the PCB.
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Fresh faces added to the squad
In place of the rested players, the selectors have brought in fresh faces, including uncapped talents Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam. Fast bowler Mohammad Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan have also been included to strengthen the squad. Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were initially part of the original squad for the first Test but were released later, have been recalled for the remaining matches.
The addition of new players signals Pakistan’s intent to try out emerging talent and improve the team’s performance against a strong English side.
Pakistan squad for the second and third Test
Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.