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MULTAN, Oct 13 (APP):The Pakistan cricket selectors have unveiled their squad for the second and third Test matches against England, scheduled to take place in Multan on October 15 and Rawalpindi on October 24.
The squad features a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent as Pakistan looks to bounce back in the series.
In a strategic move, key players including Babar Azam, pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, along with veteran wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed, have been rested to manage their workloads and ensure peak fitness for future international engagements. The decision also comes as Abrar Ahmed continues to recover from illness and remains unavailable for selection.
Stepping in to fill the void, the selectors have called up three uncapped players including wicketkeeper Haseebullah, left-arm spinner Mehran Mumtaz, and middle-order batsman Kamran Ghulam. Fast bowler Mohammad Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan also return to the fold while Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, initially released from the first Test squad, were recalled for the remainder of the series.
The team will be led by Shan Masood, with Saud Shakeel serving as vice-captain. Pakistan aims to turn the series around after losing the first Test, banking on a combination of experience and young talent to challenge England.
Aqib Javed, a member of the national selection committee, emphasized the need to balance player form, fitness, and Pakistan’s upcoming cricket commitments. He expressed confidence that the rested players would benefit from the break, allowing them to return stronger for future challenges. He also encouraged the new players to seize this opportunity and prove their mettle against a competitive England side.
Pakistan Squad for 2nd and 3rd Tests Against England would consist of Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Aamir Jamal, 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.
The upcoming Tests will serve as a crucial test for Pakistan as they aim to level the series and prepare for an intense international schedule ahead.
A PCB spokesperson explained that the decision was taken to ensure that these players, especially Babar Azam, who was widely regarded as the best batsman of his generation, return mentally refreshed for future assignments. “Babar is an asset to Pakistan cricket, and we want him to be in peak mental and physical condition as we prepare for the challenges ahead,” the spokesperson said.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the selection committee, the spokesperson highlighted that they had to balance the need for Pakistan to recover in the ongoing series against England with the importance of a packed 2024-25 international schedule. Resting key players was deemed essential to protect their fitness and ensure long-term performance.
At the same time, the PCB is using the opportunity to introduce fresh talent and give domestic performers a chance to prove themselves on the big stage. The squad now includes young, uncapped players such as wicketkeeper-batsman Haseebullah, left-arm spinner Mehran Mumtaz, and batsman Kamran Ghulam. Experienced campaigners like Noman Ali, Mohammad Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mehmood have also been called up for the remaining Tests.
“The PCB believes in the potential of these emerging players and was confident they will rise to the occasion against a strong England side. This was not just about winning the series but about building the next generation of Pakistan Test cricketers,” added the spokesperson.
The PCB is optimistic that this blend of youth and experience will help Pakistan bounce back in the series while laying the groundwork for a strong future.