LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the squad for the highly anticipated Pak vs West Indies two-match Test series, set to take place later this month at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
The team has undergone seven changes from the squad that toured South Africa recently, where Pakistan suffered a 2-0 series defeat.
Key Retentions and Inclusions in the Pak vs West Indies Squad
Pakistan has retained core players such as Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Khurram Shahzad, Noman Ali, and Salman Ali Agha.
The spin department has been bolstered with the recall of off-spinner Sajid Khan and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, who will join left-arm spinner Noman Ali.
Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Huraira return to the squad, replacing the injured Saim Ayub and the struggling Abdullah Shafique. Imam’s inclusion marks his comeback to Test cricket after his last appearance against Australia in 2023.
New Faces and Rested Pacers
In the Pak vs West Indies squad, selectors have introduced uncapped batter Kashif Ali, while recalling Mohammad Ali. To manage workloads, the pace attack comprising Naseem Shah, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, and Aamir Jamal has been rested.
Former Pakistan U19 captain Rohail Nazir has been added as a wicketkeeper, replacing Haseebullah, who sustained an injury during the Cape Town Test.
Pak vs West Indies: A Historic Test Series
The two-match series is set to begin with the first Test on January 17, followed by the second Test on January 25, both hosted at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
This series is particularly significant as it marks the first time Pakistan will host the West Indies for a Test series since their last visit in 2006. While this will be the first longer-format clash in nearly two decades, the West Indies have toured Pakistan three times since 2018 for limited-overs matches.
The historic rivalry between Pakistan and the West Indies spans 54 Test matches, with Pakistan leading the record with 21 victories, while the West Indies have secured 18 wins. Fifteen matches have ended in draws. The most recent Test series between the two teams was held in the West Indies in 2021 and ended in a 1-1 draw.
Pakistan Squad for the Pak vs West Indies Test Series
- Shan Masood (C)
- Saud Shakeel (VC)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Babar Azam
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Kamran Ghulam
- Kashif Ali
- Khurram Shahzad
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Huraira
- Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
- Noman Ali
- Rohail Nazir (WK)
- Sajid Khan
- Salman Ali Agha
Pak vs West Indies Test Series Schedule
- First Test: January 17-21, Multan Cricket Stadium
- Second Test: January 25-29, Multan Cricket Stadium
As Pak vs West Indies approaches, excitement builds among cricket enthusiasts. This series not only rekindles a long-standing rivalry but also promises thrilling encounters on Pakistan’s home soil. Fans eagerly await to see Pakistan and the West Indies clash in a Test format after years.
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