The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced a 15-player squad for the first Test of the three-match series against England, set to take place in Multan from October 7-11.
In a strategic move, the selected players have been withdrawn from the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup playoffs to ensure they are well-rested and prepared for the upcoming series. The squad is scheduled to assemble in Multan on September 30, with training commencing on October 1.
Notably, left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who has an impressive record of 47 wickets in 15 Tests, has replaced fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, who is sidelined due to injury. This change highlights the PCB’s commitment to fielding a competitive team.
While Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali were part of the squad for the recent Tests against Bangladesh, the PCB remains interested in their future contributions. To maintain their match fitness, they have been advised to continue participating in domestic tournaments, including the Champions One-Day Cup and the President’s Cup, which begins 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 expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming series, adding, “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.”
As anticipation builds for the series, fans are eager to see how the team performs on home soil against a formidable England side.
