PCB defends decision to rest key players for England Test series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has justified its decision to rest several of its top players, including former captain Babar Azam, star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, pacer Naseem Shah, and wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed. The board stated that the decision was made to allow these players to recover and return in optimal form for future matches," local media reported on Monday.

Explaining the move, a PCB spokesperson said, "The players were given a break to ensure they come back refreshed and ready to perform." The clarification comes after Pakistan's crushing defeat by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test against England.

In light of this, the PCB announced a revamped 16-member squad for the second and third Tests of the series. New additions include Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, fast bowler Mohammad Ali, off-spinner Sajid Khan, and uncapped player Kamran Ghulam. Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were released after the first Test, have been recalled as leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed is still recovering from dengue fever and will miss the remaining matches.

The PCB spokesperson acknowledged the challenges in selecting the squad, emphasizing that the decision required balancing the current form of players, the need to bounce back in the series, and Pakistan’s demanding 2024-25 international schedule. He also highlighted the importance of providing opportunities to younger players and domestic performers against a strong England side.

"The PCB believes that each of Haseebullah, Mehran, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Ali, Noman, Sajid and Zahid have the ability to rise to the occasion and serve the team in the remaining two Tests," the spokesperson said, adding that the board aims to nurture the next generation of Test players through this series.

It is worth noting that Pakistan side will face England in the second Test of the three-match series starting on October 15 at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan’s updated squad for the remaining Tests: Shan Masood (C), Saud Shakeel (VC), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, and Zahid Mehmood.