Selectors name Pakistan squad for remaining England Tests minus Shaheen, Babar and Naseem

By Special Correspondent

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced a 16-member team for the second and third Tests against England after much deliberation, with key players including Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi out of the squad. Young pacer Naseem Shah and experienced wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed are also not part of the team. “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, Naseem, Sarfaraz and Shaheen,” a statement released by the cricket governing body read. It stated that the four players have been replaced by Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, fast bowler Mohammad Ali, off-spinner Sajid Khan and all uncapped Kamran Ghulam. Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were initially part of the original first Test squad but were subsequently released, have also been included in the 16-player squad, the PCB added.  Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed remains unavailable for the second Test as he is still recovering from dengue fever. The second and third Test will be played in Multan and Rawalpindi on October 15 and 24, respectively.

Speaking to the media after the squad announcement, a member of the men’s national selection committee, Aqib Javed, said:  “Selecting the squad for the upcoming Tests against England has been a challenging task for the selectors. We’ve had to carefully consider current player form, the urgency to bounce back in the series and Pakistan’s demanding 2024-25 international schedule.” He said that the decision to rest Babar and other key players has been made in the best interest of Pakistan cricket and its players. “We are confident that this break from international cricket will help these players regain their fitness, confidence and composure, ensuring they return in top shape for future challenges,” Javed added. The former Test cricketer went on to say that Babar, Shaheen, Naseem and Sarfaraz remain some of “our finest talents with much more to contribute to Pakistan cricket”. He expressed commitment to support the cricketers during this period so they can come back even stronger. Speaking about those who have been included in the squad, Javed said that they now have the chance to showcase their skills against a formidable England side. “We believe they will rise to the occasion and make the most of this opportunity in the remaining two Tests,” he added.

Pakistan squad:

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 (wicketkeeper), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.