Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming Test series against South Africa will include a domestic flavour, as four members of the 18-man national squad have been directed to take part in the opening round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
According to reports in local media, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, all-rounder Salman Ali Agha, fast bowler Hasan Ali, and off-spinner Sajid Khan will represent their respective regions in the country’s premier first-class competition starting October 6. The move, taken on the instructions of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, is aimed at giving the players vital match practice ahead of the two-Test series. Although the squad has already begun preparations, the PCB believes that a competitive match environment will better prepare the players.
Rizwan and Sajid Khan are set to play for Peshawar Region against Sialkot Region, which will feature Salman Ali Agha. Hasan Ali will suit up for Lahore Whites against Islamabad. As the first round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy concludes on October 9, just two days before the opening Test in Lahore, the four members will enter the series with valuable match practice.
The quartet is then expected to feature in Pakistan’s lineup for the first Test against South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium on October 11, with Shan Masood leading the squad.
For Rizwan and his fellow squad members, the opportunity to sharpen their skills in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is seen as crucial, especially with South Africa’s attack expected to test Pakistan’s batting resolve. Meanwhile, the bowlers will benefit from extended spells in first-class conditions before returning to the international stage.