The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed Shan Masood will continue as captain for the upcoming Test series against England, which begins on October 7 in Multan. All-rounder Aamer Jamal has also been included in the 15-man squad after recovering from a back injury.
One of the notable exclusions from the squad is pacer Khurram Shahzad, who recently took six wickets in the second Test against Bangladesh. However, the fast bowler misses out on selection due to an injury to his left side that has not yet fully healed.
Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who was unavailable during the Bangladesh series, returns to strengthen the spin department alongside Abrar Ahmed.
Shan Masood’s leadership had come under scrutiny after Pakistan’s recent 2-0 defeat to Bangladesh, extending their home winless streak in Test cricket to 10 matches. Despite criticism, the PCB has stood by Masood, giving him another chance to lead Pakistan in a critical series.
In a statement regarding the squad selection, the PCB explained the omission of top-order batter Kamran Ghulam and pacer Mohammad Ali, emphasizing the board’s policy of maintaining consistency and continuity. “Both (Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali) remain firmly in the selectors’ plans. However, due to the selection policy’s emphasis on consistency and continuity, and the belief that 15 players are sufficient for a Test, they have been advised to continue representing their teams in the Champions One-Day Cup and the President’s Cup,” read the PCB release.
Pakistan’s 15-man squad: Shan Masood (capt), Saud Shakeel (vice-capt), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Shaheen Shah Afridi.
