Islamabad, Oct 13 (UN) In a significant move ahead of the second and third Tests against England, Pakistan cricket selectors have announced the resting of Babar Azam, along with key players Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
This decision reflects a strategic approach aimed at managing player workloads and ensuring optimal performance for future international assignments in the demanding 2024-25 season.
The Tests, scheduled to take place in Multan on 15 October and Rawalpindi on 24 October, will see a reshuffled squad that includes several uncapped players. Abrar Ahmed, recovering from dengue fever, was also unavailable for selection.
In their absence, the selectors have included wicket-keeper Haseebullah, allrounder Mehran Mumtaz, and batsman Kamran Ghulam, alongside experienced fast bowler Mohammad Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan. Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were part of the original squad for the first Test but released subsequently, have also been recalled to bolster the 16-man contingent.
Aqib Javed, a member of the national selection committee, elaborated on the rationale behind the decision, emphasising the importance of rest for the star players.
"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. Resting Babar, Naseem, Sarfaraz, and Shaheen is in the best interest of both the players and Pakistan cricket,” Javed stated.
He expressed confidence that this strategic break would enable these key players to regain their fitness and composure. "They remain some of our finest talents, and we are committed to supporting them during this period so they can come back even stronger," he added.
The inclusion of uncapped talents like Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam presents an exciting opportunity for the next generation of players 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," Javed affirmed.
Meanwhile, in related news, Haseebullah and Mehran Mumtaz have been replaced in the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup by Maaz Sadaqat and Rohail Nazir, with the tournament set to commence in Oman on 18 October.
Team
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, Zahid Mehmood.
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