Pakistan announce Test squads for West Indies and England tours
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled separate squads for the upcoming Test series against West Indies and England. The announcement was made during a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
A 16-member squad has been selected for the two-match Test series against the West Indies. Meanwhile, a 17-member squad has been named for the three-match Test series against England.
Also read: Babar Azam returns as Test captain for West Indies and England tours
Pakistan will begin their Test campaign against the West Indies from July 25 to August 6. The team will then travel to England for a three-match series scheduled from August 19 to September 13.
The selectors have included four uncapped players in the squads, giving young talent a chance to impress on the international stage. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman, batter Muhammad Awais Zafar, fast bowler Ubaid Shah and wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori could all make their Test debuts.
West Indies squad
The West Indies squad includes Babar Azam, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam ul Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.
England squad
The England squad features the same group of players with one addition. Saud Shakeel has also been included, subject to fitness, making it a 17-member squad for the challenging overseas tour.
The selection committee has retained a strong mix of experienced cricketers and emerging talent for both assignments. The management hopes the combination will strengthen Pakistan’s chances in demanding overseas conditions.
The upcoming tours will be an important test for Pakistan as they aim to improve their performances in the longest format. Strong results against the West Indies and England could boost the team’s confidence ahead of future international competitions.
Pakistan have chosen a balanced squad by combining experienced players with promising newcomers. The tours will also show whether the young players can perform under pressure and become regular members of the Test side.
