The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 16-member squad for the second and third Tests against England, with several key players being rested for the series.
Notably absent from the squad are Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, who have been granted breaks to focus on their fitness and upcoming international commitments.
The PCB explained that these decisions were based on the players’ current form and fitness levels, as well as with consideration for Pakistan’s busy international schedule in 2024-25.
The statement clarified that Babar, Naseem, Sarfaraz, and Shaheen have been rested for the series.
In their place, the squad features Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, fast bowler Mohammad Ali, off-spinner Sajid Khan, and uncapped Kamran Ghulam. Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were initially part of the squad but later released, have also been re-included.
Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, still recovering from dengue fever, will not be available for the second Test.
The same squad will be retained for the third Test in Rawalpindi on October 24, following the second Test in Multan from October 15-19.
Aqib Javed, a member of the national selection committee, discussed the difficulty of choosing the squad, saying, “We had to consider player form, the urgency of a series comeback, and the upcoming challenges of Pakistan’s 2024-25 schedule.” He emphasized that the decision to rest key players like Babar and Shaheen was made with their long-term welfare in mind.
“We are confident this break will help them recover their fitness and form for future challenges,” Javed said, adding that these players remain “some of Pakistan’s finest talents” and will return stronger.
Regarding the new squad members, Javed expressed confidence that they would step up and perform well against England in the remaining Tests.
The second Test will be held from October 15-19 at Multan Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan squad: 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.