The Pakistan cricket selectors have named a 16-player squad for the upcoming second and third Test matches against England, to be played in Multan on October 15 and Rawalpindi on October 24.

The selectors have decided to rest key players, including Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, keeping in mind their workload and Pakistan’s demanding international schedule for the 2024-25 season.

In addition to these changes, Abrar Ahmed was unavailable for selection as he continues to recover from dengue fever. The squad for the two Tests features several new faces, including uncapped players Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam, alongside fast bowler Mohammad Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan. Left-arm spinner Noman Ali and leg-spinner Zahid Mehmood, who were released after the first Test, have also been recalled.

Pakistan Squad for 2nd and 3rd Tests:

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 (wicket-keeper), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.

Aqib Javed, a member of the men’s national selection committee, expressed the challenges faced during the squad selection process.

Aqib Javed, a member of the national selection committee, highlighted the complexity of selecting the squad due to considerations around form, fitness, and future commitments. “We’ve made the decision to rest Babar, Naseem, Sarfaraz, and Shaheen in the best interest of Pakistan cricket and these players. This break will help them regain their fitness and composure, allowing them to come back stronger.”

The uncapped players and those returning to the squad have been given an opportunity to shine against England, with selectors expressing confidence in their ability to rise to the challenge.

Changes to Shaheens Squad for Emerging Teams Asia Cup

Haseebullah and Mehran Mumtaz, initially selected for the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, have been replaced by Maaz Sadaqat and Rohail Nazir. The tournament is set to take place in Oman starting from October 18.

This reshuffling reflects Pakistan’s commitment to balancing player workload while offering fresh talent a platform to prove their mettle at the international level.