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Pakistan have made seven changes and named a 15-member strong squad for the two-Test series against the West Indies.
Pakistan’s Imam-Ul-Haq bats in the nets during a training session. (PC: AFP)
Pakistan have revealed a 15-member squad for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies. Opener Imam ul Haq, who was out of favor for over a year, and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed highlight the major call-ups for the series.
Overall, Pakistan have made seven changes to the team after the 2-0 whitewash in South Africa. Only skipper Shan Masood, vice-captain Saud Shakeel, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan, Noman Ali, and Salman Ali Agha have been able to maintain their place.
Imam last played a Test in December 2023 before being dropped across formats due to poor form. His good returns in domestic cricket seemed to have earned him his place back in the absence of the injured Saim Ayub.
Ayub suffered an ankle injury recently and is currently under monitoring, with two London-based orthopedics looking after his case. Pakistan are hopeful to see him recovered for the Champions Trophy in February.
“Even if the doctors say he will not have recovered from his injury in time for Pakistan’s opening CT game against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi but could be fit for the India game, the selectors and PCB are willing to take the risk,” The Times of India cited a source close to Ayub as saying.
“Their findings are that Saim can recover from his injury through physiotherapy, medication and rest but how long a rehab period they suggest will be known next week,” the source added in the report.
Another opener, Mohammad Huraira, has been brought in for the out-of-form Abdullah Shafique. Former Pakistan U19 captain Rohail Nazir has also been added to the squad in the absence of injured wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah.
Pakistan have rested as many as four pacers — Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza, and Naseem Shah. In their absence, retained Khurram Shahzad, recalled Mohammad Ali and uncapped Kashif Ali would handle the department.
The first Test will begin on January 17 in Multan, while the second match will commence on January 25 at the same ground.
Pakistan squad for the West Indies Tests
Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, and Salman Ali Agha.
