The Pakistan Men's National Selection Committee announced Test squads for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England during a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday, July 5. Babar Azam has been appointed captain for both series as Pakistan embarks on a critical phase of the ICC World Test Championship campaign.
Squad Details for West Indies and England Series
A 16-member squad was selected for the two-match Test series in the West Indies, scheduled from July 25 to August 6. A 17-member squad was named for the three-match Test series in England, running from August 19 to September 13. Saud Shakeel has been added as the 17th member for the England tour, subject to fitness clearance.
Maiden Call-Ups for Emerging Players
The selectors rewarded several emerging players with their first Test call-ups. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman, right-handed batter Muhammad Awais Zafar, right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah, and wicket-keeper batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori earned places after impressive performances in domestic cricket. According to a spokesperson for the Pakistan Cricket Board, these selections reflect the depth of talent in domestic cricket.
West Indies Squad
The squad for the West Indies includes: Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam ul Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood, and Ubaid Shah.
England Squad
For the England series, the squad remains unchanged with the addition of Saud Shakeel, whose participation will depend on his fitness ahead of the tour.
Tour Schedule
Pakistan will begin the West Indies series with the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba from July 25-29, followed by the second Test at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain from August 2-6. The England tour will commence with the opening Test in Leeds from August 19-23. The second Test will be played at Lord's from August 27-31, while the third and final Test is scheduled for Birmingham from September 9-13.
World Test Championship Implications
These two overseas assignments are expected to provide Pakistan with an important opportunity to build momentum and strengthen their position in the ICC World Test Championship standings. The team aims to secure crucial points away from home, which will be vital for qualifying for the final.
