Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi is back in Pakistan’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka, as announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Afridi is one wicket away from a century of Test wickets.
New Additions to the Team
The men’s national selection committee also included fresh faces, Mohammad Huraira, a batter, and all-rounder Aamir Jamal. The squad was chosen considering the conditions in Sri Lanka and includes four spinners, four fast bowlers, six specialist batters, and two keeper-batters.
Preparation and Schedule
The team will assemble in Karachi on July 3 before they depart for Sri Lanka on July 9. The series itinerary will be announced by Sri Lanka Cricket soon.
Pakistan Squad
Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc & wk), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi and Shan Masood
Key Players in Focus
Mohammad Huraira, who has had an impressive run, was the leading run-scorer in the last two editions of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Aamir Jamal, Huraira’s teammate, led the wicket-takers chart for the fast bowlers in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23.
Selection Commentary and Players Left Out
Haroon Rashid, the national men’s chief selector, commented on the new squad, stressing the team’s readiness to face Sri Lanka’s conditions. He also encouraged the players left out of the squad to keep working on their game as they remain part of the PCB’s plans.
Bowling Coach Appointment
Finally, the PCB announced the appointment of Morne Morkel as the national side’s bowling coach. The former South Africa pacer brings much international experience, having secured many wickets in Test, ODI, and T20I formats.
