LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed two changes to the national team’s Test squad for the remainder of the West Indies series and the three-match Test tour against England.
Opener Abdullah Fazal was ruled out recently after being declared ineligible and was replaced by Abdullah Shafiq.
According to PCB, Fazal underwent an MRI scan after the injury.
Following a medical assessment, the left-arm opener was advised to begin a rehabilitation program and was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the West Indies series and the three-Test tour of England.
The board has included South Shakeel in the squad as an additional batting option for the remainder of the Caribbean tour. However, his participation in the England series is subject to fitness.
The first Test between Pakistan and West Indies is currently underway, with the opening day’s play heavily affected by rain and poor light.
After a rain-delayed start and poor light, West Indies were bowled out for 194-3 in 67 overs, with Gavem Hodge unbeaten on 83 and Shai Hope on 39.
Following the conclusion of the two-match Test series in the Caribbean, Pakistan travel to England for a three-match Test series.
The opening Test will be played at Headingley in Leeds from August 19 to 23 and the second at Lord’s from August 27 to 31. The series will conclude with the third and final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.
Pakistan Squad for West Indies Test Series
Babar Azam (catch), Amir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Jafar, Muhammad Ghazi, Sahari (Muhammad Ghazi, Salhaji), and Ubayd Shah.
Pakistan squad for England Test series
Babar Azam (c), Amir Jamal, Ali Usman, Abdullah Shafiq, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Samanjid Khan (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubayd Shah.