Pakistan to add two reserve players for Test series against England

PCB adds two reserve players to Test squad, set to face England, following Champions One-Day Cup performances.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the inclusion of three reserve players in the squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against England, set to take place in October in Multan and Rawalpindi. The reserve players are Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali.

Leg-spinner Zahid Mehmood will join the pre-Test camp in Multan as the 16th player, while the final squad will be trimmed to 15 for the first Test, commencing on October 7. The official announcement will be made after the tournament concludes.

"Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali will remain on reserve but will continue playing domestic matches to stay match-ready," the PCB said in a statement.

"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," he added.

The official announcement is expected to follow the conclusion of the Champions Cup.

Those chosen for the squad have been barred from participating in the remaining domestic matches.

The series against England is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, with the first match taking place in Multan from October 7 to 11.

Pakistan squad for first Test against England: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Revised schedule:

• 7-11 Oct – First Test, Multan
• 15-19 Oct – Second Test, Multan
• 24-28 Oct – Third Test, Rawalpindi