Multan: In anticipation of the second and third Test matches against England scheduled in Multan on October 15 and Rawalpindi on October 24, respectively, the Pakistan cricket team has announced significant changes to its squad. Key players including Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi will be rested, introducing several uncapped players to the lineup.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the decision to adjust the squad comes as a strategic move to manage player fitness and prepare for Pakistan’s packed 2024-25 international cricket season. The selectors have opted to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi due to considerations of current form and future team needs. Abrar Ahmed, who is recovering from dengue fever, was also unavailable for selection.
The refreshed squad includes newcomers Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam, along with Mohammad Ali, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mehmood, who are expected to fill the gaps. The 16-player squad for the upcoming Tests will be led by Shan Masood as captain and Saud Shakeel as vice-captain.
Aqib Javed, a member of the men’s national selection committee, emphasized the challenge in selecting the squad amidst the need to bounce back in the series against England. He expressed confidence that the break would benefit the rested players, allowing them to return to international cricket with renewed fitness and vigor. The inclusion of uncapped players is seen as an opportunity to test their mettle against a formidable England team and to identify potential new talent for future international engagements.
Furthermore, as Haseebullah and Mehran Mumtaz depart for Test duty, their places in the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the upcoming ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Oman will be taken by Maaz Sadaqat and Rohail Nazir, ensuring continued opportunities for young players across different formats.