Shaheen, Naseem likely to be dropped from West Indies Test series

Pakistan is set to take on the West Indies in a two-match Test series at Multan Cricket Stadium, following their recent defeat against South Africa. The first Test is scheduled to begin on January 17.

Opener Saim Ayub, who sustained an ankle injury during the South Africa series, will miss the upcoming Test series. Doctors have advised a six-week rest for the young opener. Abdullah Shafique is expected to replace Ayub at the top of the order, alongside captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam.

The middle order is likely to include Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan. Salman Ali Agha, who enjoys home-ground advantage, is also expected to feature in the squad. However, there is speculation that he may be rested ahead of the Champions Trophy, with Qasim Akram potentially filling his place.

Pakistan’s pace attack will see some changes with spearheads Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah sitting out the series. Afridi is being rested for workload management, while Naseem is being preserved for the upcoming tri-series and Champions Trophy. 

Mohammad Abbas, who performed well during the South Africa series, is expected to retain his spot in the team. Mir Hamza and Khurram Shahzad are likely to join Abbas in leading the pace attack.

Spin duties will be handled by Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali, both of whom played crucial roles in Pakistan’s historic Test win over England in the home series.