Left-handed opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq made a notable comeback as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 15-member squad for the two ICC World Test Championship Tests against the West Indies. The matches are scheduled to take place from January 17 to 29 at Multan Stadium in Multan.
The PCB has made seven changes to the squad that toured South Africa. The retained players include Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan, Noman Ali, and Salman Ali Agha. The announcement highlights a strategic approach by the PCB to balance experience with fresh talent.
To bolster the spin department, the PCB has recalled off-spinner Sajid Khan and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed to join left-arm spinner Noman Ali. Additionally, openers Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Huraira have been reinstated, replacing the injured Saim Ayub and the out-of-form Abdullah Shafique.
As part of the PCB’s workload management plan, the pace attack has been rotated. Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza, and Naseem Shah have been rested. In their place, Khurram Shahzad has been retained, while Mohammad Ali returns to the squad alongside uncapped pacer Kashif Ali.
In a significant move, wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir has been added to the squad following an injury to Haseebullah. The PCB confirmed that Haseebullah sustained a split in his right-hand webbing during the Cape Town Test, paving the way for Nazir’s inclusion. Rohail, a former Pakistan U19 and Shaheens captain, is expected to provide depth in the wicketkeeping department.
The PCB emphasized that the squad selection reflects a commitment to developing a competitive team for the ICC World Test Championship while managing player fitness and form.
Pakistan squad for the 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/batter), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper/batter), Sajid Khan, and Salman Ali Agha.
The PCB’s preparations for the series underline its dedication to achieving success on the international stage while fostering talent for the future.