Pak vs Eng: PCB makes changes to squad for first Test

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the addition of leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood to the squad for the first Test of the three-match series against England.

The first Test is scheduled to be held in Multan from October 7 to 11, with a training camp beginning on October 1.

Zahid Mahmood will participate in the training camp in Multan, but the squad will be reduced to 15 players ahead of the opening Test.

Meanwhile, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali have been named as reserve players. However, they will continue participating in domestic cricket to remain match-fit.

In a statement, the PCB said, "Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali will remain on reserve but will continue playing domestic matches to stay match-ready."

The board also highlighted that while all three players are integral to the Pakistan Test team setup, a 15-player squad is deemed sufficient for the home Test series due to cricketing and logistical considerations.

Squad (for 1st Test):

Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Meanwile, Pakistan's red-ball team coach Jason Gillespie has said with a busy domestic and international cricket schedule, it makes sense to give our players some much-needed rest ahead of the Test series against England.

“We are very much looking forward to the series against England here in Pakistan and cannot wait for it to begin. We are excited about playing in front of our wonderful supporters.”