For the first Test match of the three-match series against England, leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood has been named by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to the squad.
October 7–11 is when the first Test is scheduled to take place in Multan; the preparation camp will start on October 1.
Zahid is scheduled to go to the team’s training camp in Multan. The team will be reduced to 15 players for the first Test on October 7.
Muhammad Ali and Kamran Ghulam will be reserve players in the interim, but they will still participate in domestic competitions.
“To stay match-ready, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali will continue to play domestic matches while on reserve,” the PCB stated in a statement.
“All three players are a part of the Pakistan Test team setup, but for cricketing and logistical reasons, 15 players will be plenty for the home Test series,” he continued.
The chosen players have been withdrawn from the Champions One-Day Cup playoffs in order to give them some rest ahead of the series, per head coach Jason Gillespie’s request and the team announcement.
Gillespie stated, “It makes sense to give our players some much-needed rest ahead of the Test series against England with a busy domestic and international cricket schedule.”
“The series versus England is something we are eagerly anticipating and can’t wait to start here in Pakistan. Playing in front of our amazing supporters makes us very happy,” he continued.
Team Pakistan for the opening Test match against England:
Chief executive Officer Shan Masood; Vice-Captain Saud Shakeel; Aamir Jamal; Abdullah Shafique; Abrar Ahmed; Babar Azam; Mir Hamza; Mohammad Huraira; Mohammad Rizwan; Naseem Shah; Noman Ali; Saim Ayub; Salman Ali Agha; Sarfaraz Ahmed; Shaheen Shah Afridi; Zahid Mahmood.
