The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) presented a 15-member team for a two-match test series against West Indiesstarting on January 17 in Multan. The squad has seven changes compared to the previous series against South Africa, where Pakistan lost 0-2.
Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Huraira return
Opening the dough Imam-ul-Haq was recalled after the last performance of the tour of Australia, together with Mohammad Huraira. The duo will replace injured opener Saim Ayub and out-of-form Abdullah Shafique, aiming to provide stability in the top-flight.
Revamped spin attack
The spin department has undergone a significant overhaul with the off-spinner Sajid Khan and the mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed returning to the lineup. They will join the left-arm spinner Noman Alicreating a powerful three-pronged spin attack.
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Pace quartet rested; New faces in the fast bowling unit
Key pacers Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamzaand Naseem Shah have rested to handle their workload. Khurram Shahzad kept his place, while Mohammad Ali was recalled. Additionally, dough without a lid Kashif Ali he deserved a maiden invitation.
Wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullahwho sustained a hand injury during the Tests in Cape Town, was replaced by the former Pakistan U19 captain Rohail Nazir.
Permanent absence of Shaheen Afridi
Despite the many changes, the fast bowler Shaheen Afridi remains unavailable. Afridi was rested in the middle of the series against England and is yet to return to the Test squad.
Pakistan squad for West Indies Tests
Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper/batsman), Noman Ali , Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper/batsman), Sajid Khan, and Salman Ali Agha
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