Pakistan has unveiled a squad comprising 16 members in preparation for their forthcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to take place in July.
Pakistan Test Squad
Taking center stage in the lineup is the much-anticipated return of Shaheen Afridi, the prominent fast bowler who last participated in the longest format during a Test match against Sri Lanka in July 2022, before succumbing to a knee injury.
ICC Men’s World Test Championship
In a bid to infuse fresh talent, Pakistan has chosen to include two players who are yet to make their international debuts. Batsman Mohammad Huraira and all-rounder Aamir Jamal have been rewarded with call-ups to the squad.
Babar Azam, the captain, will lead the team, benefitting from the presence of other renowned players such as Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Hasan Ali, and Naseem Shah, all of whom will be at his disposal.
Without a doubt, Babar will find solace in the return of his exceptional fast bowler, Afridi, as they join forces in the realm of Test cricket.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
In a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Shaheen expressed his excitement about his return to Test cricket after a year. He mentioned how much he missed playing in the Test format and acknowledged that it was a challenging time for him to be away from it.
Shaheen highlighted that he had missed the entire home season due to an injury he sustained in Sri Lanka. As he prepares to make his comeback, he is determined to have a significant impact and achieve the milestone of taking 100 wickets in Test cricket, especially since he will be playing in the same country where he suffered the injury.
The statement reflects Shaheen’s eagerness and motivation to perform at his best, demonstrating his commitment to representing Pakistan in the Test arena.
Shaheen Shah Afridi currently has 99 wickets from 25 Test matches, maintaining an impressive average of 24.86. This highlights his effectiveness and impact as a bowler in the Test format.
The Pakistan cricket team is set to gather in Karachi on July 3 to begin their preparations. They are scheduled to depart on July 9 for their upcoming tour, with the specific details of the tour schedule expected to be announced in the near future.
The two Test matches in the upcoming tour will be significant as they contribute to the ICC World Test Championship for the 2023-2025 cycle. This championship adds further importance to the matches, as teams compete for points and rankings in the prestigious Test format.
The tour presents an opportunity for Pakistan, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, to showcase their skills and strive for success in the Test arena while contributing to their country’s standing in the World Test Championship.
Pakistan Test Squad
Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc & wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi and Shan Masood, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Huraira.
