Pakistan Announces Playing XI For Second Test

Pakistan have announced their playing eleven for the second Test against England in Multan. With star players Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Babar Azam dropped, there was plenty of change expected.

In their place, the selectors have introduced a mix of uncapped and experienced players to the 16-member Pakistan Test squad.

Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam, all uncapped, have been allowed to make their Test debuts. They are joined by fast bowler Mohammad Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan. Additionally, Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were initially part of the first Pakistan Test squad but were later released, have been recalled.

Pakistan XI

Aqib Javed, a member of the men’s national selection committee, commented on the selection process:

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. With these factors in mind and in the best interest of Pakistan cricket as well as the players, we’ve decided to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Javed emphasized the importance of this break for the rested players, stating, “We are confident that this break from international cricket will help these players regain their fitness, confidence, and composure, ensuring they return in top shape for future challenges. They remain some of our finest talents with much more to contribute to Pakistan cricket. We are fully committed to supporting them during this period so they can come back even stronger.”