On Saturday, January 11, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 15-player squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies. The squad features seven changes from their previous Test series against South Africa, where Pakistan was whitewashed by 2-0.
Imam-ul-Haq, the opening batter, is making his comeback to the team after last playing on the tour to Australia. Mohammad Huraira has also been added to the squad, with both players replacing the injured Saim Ayub and struggling Abdullah Shafique.
In the spin department, off-spinner Sajid Khan and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed have been added to make a three-spinner attack along with left-arm spinner Noman Ali. The addition of strength to the spin department suggests that the pitches will be spin-friendly, similar to what we have seen in Pakistan’s previous home test matches against England.
The last time Sajid and Noman bowled together, the Pakistan spin duo picked 39 of the 40 England wickets in the last two Tests.
To manage their workload, the pace bowlers Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza, and Naseem Shah have been given rest. The selectors have also included Khurram Shahzad and brought Mohammad Ali back. Uncapped batter Kashif Ali has been called up to the national team for the first time.
Pakistan Test squad announced for West Indies series 🚨
First match begins on 17 January in Multan 🏏
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/MNZF4dWjKH#PAKvWI pic.twitter.com/gvgast4Sbj
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 11, 2025
While several players made their return to the team, fast bowler Shaheen Afridi remained absent from the Test squad after being rested during the series against England and South Africa.
Shaheen was given a no-objection certificate (NOC) by the PCB to play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) until January 15, which is two days before the test series begins. This suggests that he might not have been considered by the selectors at all. Shaheen has either been dropped, left out, or “rested” for eight of Pakistan’s last 12 Tests since early 2024.
The two-match Test series against the West Indies will begin in Multan, with the first Test set to start on January 17, and the second Test will be held on January 25.
Read more: Mohammed Shami Makes Return to the Indian Team for The First Time Since the ODI World Cup
Jasir Basharat is a cricket enthusiast capturing the heart of the game through insightful analysis and storytelling sharing his passion for the sport through engaging narratives. He is a business graduate from University of Kashmir.
