PCB makes changes to Pakistan Test squad for West Indies, England tours
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced changes to the national men’s Test squad for the ongoing two-match series against the West Indies and the upcoming three-Test series in England. The changes come after an injury ruled one player out and prompted the selectors to strengthen the batting lineup.
Left-handed opener Abdullah Fazal has been ruled out of the remaining matches against the West Indies after suffering an injury before the first Test. The setback also means he will miss Pakistan’s Test tour of England.
The PCB has named right-handed batter Abdullah Shafique as Fazal’s replacement. Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel has also been included in the squad to provide extra strength to the batting department.
According to the PCB, the 23-year-old suffered a lower-back injury during a training session at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. The venue is hosting the opening Test of the series, which continues until July 29.
After the injury, Fazal underwent an MRI scan to assess his condition. Doctors advised him to begin rehabilitation immediately, and he was declared unfit for both the remaining West Indies Tests and the upcoming England series.
Pakistan are currently playing a two-match Test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean. The team will aim to perform strongly despite the changes to the squad.
Also read: Abdullah Fazal ruled out of West Indies and England Tests
Once the West Indies tour ends, Pakistan will travel to England for a three-match Test series. The matches are scheduled to be played from August 19 to September 13.
All five Test matches across the West Indies and England tours will count towards the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27. This makes every match important for Pakistan’s position in the championship standings.
The updated Pakistan Test squad includes Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.
The injury to Abdullah Fazal is an early challenge for Pakistan, but the inclusion of Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel adds experience and depth to the batting unit. With every Test counting towards the World Test Championship, Pakistan will be hoping the new squad can deliver strong performances on both tours.
