Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi are out of Pakistan’s name squad for the 2nd and 3rd Test against England.

Pakistan have named their 16-member squad for the second and third Test matches against them In Englandand significant changes following the team’s disappointing innings defeat in the first Test at Multan. I Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to shake up the lineup in an effort to regain momentum in the series.

There is no place for Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and other senior players

Another thing that was mentioned in the squad announcement was the omission of the former captain Babar Azam and star pacer Shaheen Afridi. Along with them, the fast bowler And Seem Shah and veteran wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed they rest again. The PCB, in a statement, emphasized that the decision was made to manage the work of the key players in view of future international commitments. Spinner Abrar Ahmed he was not found eligible as he was recovering from dengue fever.

“Considering the current condition and fitness of key players and looking ahead to Pakistan’s future assignments for the 2024-25 international cricket season, the selectors have decided to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi,” PCB said.

ALSO READ: Here’s the updated standings for WTC 2023-25 ​​after England’s big win over Pakistan in the first Test

A new face has been added to the team

Instead of rested players, the selectors brought in new faces, including skills that have not yet been exhausted Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtazagain Kamran Ghulam. Fast bowler Mohammad Ali and an off-spinner Sajid Khan they were also included to strengthen the squad. Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were part of the starting squad for the first Test but were later released, have been called up for the remaining matches.

The addition of new players shows Pakistan’s intention to test emerging talent and improve the team’s performance against a strong English side.

Pakistan team for the second and third Test

Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.

READ MORE: Pakistan cricket board reshuffles selection committee after humiliating defeat against England