MULTAN: Star batsman Babar Azam and fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have been excluded from Pakistan’s squad for the remaining fixtures of the three-match Test series against England.

The newly constituted selection committee has announced the roster for the second and third Test matches, scheduled to take place in Multan and Rawalpindi on 15 and 24 October, respectively.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the squad via a press release on their official website.

The selectors have opted to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, considering the current form and fitness of these key players in anticipation of Pakistan’s future commitments in the 2024-25 international cricket season. Abrar Ahmed, currently recuperating from dengue sickness, was not available for selection,” the statement indicated.

The four players have been substituted by Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Kamran Ghulam (all uncapped), fast bowler Mohammad Ali, and off-spinner Sajid Khan.

Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, initially members of the original first Test team but later removed, have been reinstated in the 16-player roster.

Aqib Javed, the recently appointed member of the men’s national selection committee, stated that the decision to rest key players was made in the best interest of the Pakistan cricket team.

“The selection of the squad for the forthcoming Tests against England has posed a significant challenge for the selectors. Javed stated, “We have had to meticulously evaluate the present performance of players, the necessity to recover in the series, and Pakistan’s rigorous international schedule for 2024-25.”

“Considering these factors and prioritizing the welfare of Pakistan cricket and its players, we have decided to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.”

“We are assured that this hiatus from international cricket will enable these players to restore their fitness, confidence, and composure, guaranteeing their return in optimal condition for forthcoming challenges.”

“They continue to be among our most exceptional talents, with significant contributions yet to be made to Pakistan cricket.” We are wholly dedicated to assisting them during this time to ensure their robust return.

“Simultaneously, we are providing opportunities to uncapped players such as Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam, in addition to Mohammad Ali, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mehmood.”

“They now have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities against a formidable England team.” We are confident they will meet the challenge and capitalize on this opportunity in the next two Tests.

Pakistan Team for Upcoming Matches Against England
Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wicketkeeper), 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.