Pakistan Announces 15-Player Squad for First Test Against England in Multan

Pakistan's cricket selectors have announced a 15-member squad for the first Test against England, scheduled to take place in Multan from October 7-11.

Following the squad announcement, and on the recommendation of head coach Jason Gillespie, the selected players have been withdrawn from the Champions One-Day Cup playoffs to provide them with rest ahead of the series. The squad will gather in Multan on Monday, September 30, with a training camp starting on October 1.

Squad for the 1st Test:

Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who has claimed 47 wickets in 15 Tests, replaces injured fast bowler Khurram Shahzad.

Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali, part of the squad for the Bangladesh Tests, remain in the selectors' plans. However, due to the policy focusing on consistency and the belief that 15 players are sufficient for the Test, they have been encouraged to continue participating in the Champions One-Day Cup and the President’s Cup, which starts on October 3, to stay match-fit.

Jason Gillespie, Pakistan men’s red-ball head coach:

"Given the busy domestic and international schedule, it's important to provide our players with rest before the Test series against England.

"We are eagerly anticipating the series against England in Pakistan and can't wait to play in front of our incredible fans."