Pakistan have determined their 16-member squad for the second and third test matches against Englandwith some significant changes following the team a disappointing innings defeat in the first Test in Multan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to shake up the lineup to gain momentum in the series.
There is no place for Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and other senior players
One of the most talked about moments of the squad announcement is the exclusion of the former captain. Babar Azam and star accelerator Shaheen Afridi. Along with them, the fast bowler Nasim Shah and the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed they also rested. The PCB, in a statement, emphasized that the decision was taken to manage the workload of the key players keeping in mind future international commitments. Spinner Abrar Ahmed He was unavailable for selection as he recovered from dengue fever.
“Taking into account the current form and fitness of the key players and considering Pakistan’s future assignments in the 2024-25 international cricket season, the selectors have decided to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi. “ PCB said.
Also READ: WTC 2023-25 ​​standings updated after England’s dominant win over Pakistan in 1st Test.
New faces were added to the team
In place of rested players, the selectors brought in new faces, including obvious talents Hasibullah, Mehran Mumtazand Kamran Ghulam. Fast bowler Muhammad Ali and an off-spinner Sajid Khan included to strengthen the staff. Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were in the initial squad for the first Test but were later released, have been recalled for the remaining matches.
The addition of new players signals Pakistan’s desire to test emerging talent and improve the team’s performance against a strong English side.
Pakistan team 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.
