The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced an update to the Test squad in preparation for the first match of the three-Test series against England, set to commence on October 7.
Leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood has been added to the pre-test camp in Multan as the 16th player, although the final squad will be trimmed to 15 players for the opening Test.
In a statement, the PCB clarified the status of Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali, who will remain on reserve.
“Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali will continue playing domestic matches to stay match-ready,” the PCB stated. “All three players are part of the Pakistan Test team setup, but 15 players are sufficient for the home Test series due to cricketing and logistical reasons.”
The decision to keep Ghulam and Ali active in domestic cricket rather than having them sit on the sidelines during the series is aimed at ensuring they remain in peak form for potential future call-ups.
The PCB confirmed the squad for the first Test on Tuesday, with the team set to assemble in Multan on Monday, September 30. The training camp will begin on October 1, providing the players ample time to prepare for the highly anticipated series.
Those selected for the Test squad were withdrawn from the Champions One-Day Cup playoffs to ensure the players are well-rested and ready for the challenge.
Pakistan’s red-ball head coach, Jason Gillespie, emphasized the importance of rest and preparation in the lead-up to the series.
“With a busy domestic and international cricket schedule, it makes sense to give our players some much-needed rest ahead of the Test series against England,” Gillespie stated. “We are very much looking forward to the series against England here in Pakistan and cannot wait for it to begin. We are excited about playing in front of our wonderful supporters.”