Key players including Babar Azam have been kept out of the lineup

Pakistan cricket selectors have announced the squad for the upcoming second and third Test matches against England, scheduled to be held in Multan and Rawalpindi on October 15 and October 24, respectively.

Key players, including former captain Babar Azam and fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah have been kept out of the lineup for these matches. Wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed is also not part of the test match squad. These players have not been made part of the team in wake of preparations for the upcoming 202425 international cricket season.

The decision to rest these players was made in light of their current form, fitness, and the importance of preserving them for Pakistan’s future commitments. Spinner Abrar Ahmed, recovering from dengue fever, was also unavailable for selection.

The resting players have been replaced by a mix of uncapped and experienced talent, including wicketkeeper Haseebullah, allrounder Mehran Mumtaz, batsman Kamran Ghulam, fast bowler Muhammad Ali, and offspinner Sajid Khan.

Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were initially part of the squad but later released, have been recalled to the 16-man lineup.

The full squad for the second and third tests include Shaan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafiq, Haseebullah (wicketkeeper), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Hurira, Muhammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Nouman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, and Zahid Mehmood.

Men’s National Selection Committee member Aqib Javed commented on the challenges faced in selecting the team for the crucial upcoming tests. “Selecting this squad was a tough decision as we had to weigh the players’ form and fitness against the need to win this series and the packed international schedule ahead. Resting Babar, Naseem, Sarfraz, and Shaheen is in the best interest of Pakistan cricket and the players themselves. We believe this break will help them regain their fitness and confidence for future challenges,” Aqib said.

He added that the selection offers a valuable opportunity for new and returning players. “We are giving chances to talented, uncapped players and we are confident that they will rise to the occasion and prove their skills against a tough England side.”

Meanwhile, Haseebullah and Mehran Mumtaz, who were part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the upcoming ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, have been replaced by Moaz Sadaqat and Rohail Nazir in the tournament set to take place in Oman from October 18.