PAK vs ENG: Babar, Shaheen, Naseem dropped for final two Tests

Sarfaraz also out; Squad features several new faces, Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam (all uncapped).

The Pakistan cricket selectors have officially named the squad for the upcoming second and third Test matches against England, scheduled to be held in Multan and Rawalpindi on 15 and 24 October, respectively.

In light of the current performance and fitness levels of key players, as well as Pakistan's future commitments in the 2024-25 international cricket season, the selectors have opted to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Abrar Ahmed, who is recovering from dengue fever, was also unavailable for selection.

The squad features several new faces, with Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam (all uncapped), along with fast bowler Mohammad Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan, stepping in for the rested players. SNoman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were initially part of the first Test squad but released afterward, have also been included in the 16-player team.

Squad for the 2nd and 3rd Tests:

Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wicket-keeper), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.

Aqib Javed, a member of the men's national selection committee, expressed the challenges faced during the squad 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 made the decision to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

“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.

“At the same time, we are offering opportunities to uncapped players like Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam, along with Mohammad Ali, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Zahid Mehmood. They now have the chance to showcase their skills against a formidable England side. We believe they will rise to the occasion and make the most of this opportunity in the remaining two Tests.”

Additionally, Haseebullah and Mehran Mumtaz, who were part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, have been replaced by Maaz Sadaqat and Rohail Nazir. This tournament will take place in Oman starting from 18 October.