Pakistan pace bowler Hasan Ali has backed teammates Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah, who were dropped from the national Test squad for the remaining two matches against England.
Babar, Shaheen and Naseem along with wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed were released from Pakistan’s squad earlier today for the second and third Test matches.
“Taking into consideration the current form and fitness of key players and looking ahead to Pakistan’s future assignments in the 2024-25 international cricket season, the selectors have decided to give rest to Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Abrar Ahmed (who is recovering from dengue fever) was unavailable for selection,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.
“The four players have been replaced by Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Kamran Ghulam (all uncapped), fast bowler Mohammad Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan.
“Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were initially part of the original first Test squad but were subsequently released, have also been included in the 16-player squad.”
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Hasan Ali, who is currently out of action due to an elbow injury, took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account and extended his support to the players who were dropped from Pakistan’s squad.
“Tough times only make comebacks sweeter,” Hasan posted. “My brothers, you’re champions! You’ve done wonders for Pakistan and will continue do so. Keep believing and you’ll be back stronger than ever, Inshallah.”
The second and third Test between Pakistan and England are scheduled to be played in Multan and Rawalpindi on 15 and 24 October, respectively.
Pakistan Squad For Remaining Matches Against England
Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.
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