Pakistan vs England Test series schedule to be announced within two days

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce the full schedule for the upcoming three-match Test series against England within the next one or two days.

As the much-anticipated Test series between Pakistan and England looms closer, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the series due to the fitness of England captain Ben Stokes.

Stokes, who sustained a hamstring injury in early August, has been included in the 17-member England squad for the Pakistan tour despite not being fully fit. The England skipper is set to undergo a scan next week to assess his readiness for the first Test, which is scheduled for October 7.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to hold the Test matches in Multan and Rawalpindi, with plans to host the first two Tests in Multan. The decision to exclude Karachi as a venue was made due to ongoing construction work.

While the exact schedule for the series remains to be confirmed, the PCB's intention is to capitalize on the conditions in Multan by hosting two Tests there. However, an alternative option is to hold the first and third Tests in Rawalpindi.

England squad for Pakistan Test series: Ben Stokes (C), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.