Pakistan Announces Revamped Test Squad for West Indies Series
Pakistan has unveiled its 15-player squad for the upcoming two-match ICC World Test Championship series against the West Indies, set to take place in Multan from January 17 to 25, 2025.
The squad features seven changes from the team that toured South Africa in December 2024, where Pakistan faced a 2-0 defeat.
Opening batter Imam-ul-Haq returns to the squad after last playing during Pakistan’s tour of Australia. The 29-year-old, who has appeared in 24 Test matches, was dropped following a dip in form during Pakistanβs 3-0 series loss in Australia early last year.
Mohammad Huraira has also been recalled, replacing the injured Saim Ayub and the struggling Abdullah Shafique.
In the spin department, off-spinner Sajid Khan and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed join left-arm spinner Noman Ali, creating a strong three-man spin attack.
To manage workloads, the pace quartet of Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza, and Naseem Shah has been rested. Mohammad Ali returns to the squad, while Khurram Shahzad retains his place. Additionally, uncapped batter Kashif Ali has earned his first call-up to the national side.
Former Pakistan U19 captain Rohail Nazir has been included as the replacement for wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah, who sustained a hand injury during the Cape Town Test.
Shaheen Afridi remains unavailable, continuing his break after being rested midway through the England series.
The series, starting on January 17, will see both matches played in Multan.
Pakistan Squad:
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, Salman Ali Agha.
