• Source:JND

Pakistan are set to make massive changes to their Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against the West Indies, with several senior players expected to be left out.

According to reports, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Naseem Shah, and veteran spinner Nauman Ali are likely to be dropped as selectors prepare a fresh pace attack for the tour.

A source said that senior selector Aaqib Javed recently presented a draft squad to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who has reportedly given the selection committee full freedom to make decisions they feel are best for Pakistan cricket.

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The new-look pace unit is expected to include Muhammad Abbas (36), Muhammad Ali (33), Khurram Shehzad (27), and uncapped Ubaid Shah. All-rounder Aamer Jamal is also likely to be part of the squad as a pace-bowling option.

The first Test will be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad on July 25, while the second Test will take place in Port of Spain from August 2.

The source also said that Muhammad Ali and Abbas, who are currently playing in England, will join the squad in the Caribbean. The selectors have decided not to pick Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Nauman Ali, all of whom were part of the Test team that recently lost both matches in Bangladesh.

Naseem Shah is also expected to miss out, although his younger brother Ubaid Shah has been given a chance in the squad.

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Pakistan have also announced a young T20 squad for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, although the final plan for senior players in that format is still unclear.

Selectors reportedly feel that Shaheen, Hasan, and Naseem are better suited to white-ball cricket at this stage, while Nauman Ali, who is nearing 40, may be replaced by a younger spinner like Arafat Minhas in Test cricket.

The final squad is expected to be approved by Mohsin Naqvi and announced later this week. It is likely to be a 17-member group, which will also feature in the upcoming tour of England for a three-Test series in August and September.

Before the West Indies Tests, Pakistan will play a four-day warm-up match to prepare for the series.


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