PAK vs ENG: Zahid Mahmood included in Pakistan squad ahead of first Test
he Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given an update on the team for the first Test of the three-match series against England. Leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood will join the pre-test camp in Multan as the 16th player, but the final squad will be reduced to 15 players for the first Test, which starts on October 7.
Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali will stay on as reserve players but will continue playing in domestic matches to remain in good form, according to a statement from the PCB.
“All three players are part of the Pakistan Test squad, but 15 players are enough for the home series, considering cricketing and logistical factors,” the PCB said.
The PCB explained that it would be better for Ghulam and Ali to get more playing time in domestic cricket rather than sitting on the sidelines during the series. This will keep them sharp and ready if they are needed in future matches.
The PCB also confirmed that the squad for the first Test was announced on Tuesday. The team will gather in Multan on Monday, September 30, with training set to begin on October 1. To allow the players some rest ahead of the series, they have been withdrawn from the Champions One-Day Cup playoffs.
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)
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
Pakistan’s red-ball head coach Gillespie mentioned, “With a packed domestic and international schedule, it makes sense to give our players some rest before the Test series against England.” He also expressed excitement about the upcoming series, saying, “We are looking forward to playing in front of our amazing fans here in Pakistan.”