The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-player squad for the first Test of the three-match series against England, scheduled to take place in Multan from October 7-11.
In a significant decision, the selected players have been withdrawn from the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup playoffs to ensure they are well-rested and ready for the series. The squad will assemble in Multan on September 30, with training commencing on October 1.
Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who boasts an impressive record of 47 wickets in 15 Tests, has replaced fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, who is sidelined due to injury.
While Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali were part of the squad for the recent Bangladesh Tests, the PCB remains keen on including them in future plans. However, to maintain match fitness, they have been advised to continue competing in domestic tournaments like the Champions One-Day Cup and the President’s Cup, which starts on October 3.
Jason Gillespie, head coach of Pakistan’s red-ball team, commented on the squad selection, stating, “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.”
He added, “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.”
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ