Pakistan have announced a formidable 16-member squad for their highly anticipated two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The squad features the much-awaited return of star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, who last represented Pakistan in the longest form🀅at in July 2022 before sustaining a knee i🥂njury during a Test match against the Islanders.
In addition to Afridi’s comeback, Pakistan’s selection committee has included two uncapped players in the squad. Batter Mohammad Huraira and all-rounder Aamir Jamal have been rewarded with call-ups. Leading the talented contingent will be superstar batsman Babar Azam, who has been instrumental in Pakistan’s recent success across formats.
The squad also includes notable names such as wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, openers Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, fast bowler Hasan Ali and promising young seamer Naseem Shah. To ensure thorough preparation, the Pakis💝tani squad will assemble in Karachi on July 3 before their scheduled departure on July 9 for the Sri Lanka tour. The detailed schedule of the tour is yet to be announced but is eagerly awaited by Pakistan cricket fans aroun💮d the globe.
Notably, the two Test matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be part of the ongoing 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, adding an extra layer of si🍷gnificance to the series for both sides. The stakes will be high as teams lo🐭ok to accumulate crucial points and solidify their positions in the championship rankings.
Afridi expressed his enthusiasm and happiness about returning to the Pakistan Test side after a year-long absence. The left-arm pacer revealed that he🦹 missed playing Test cricket dearly and found it challenging to be away fro🦄m the format for such a long time.
“I am very excited to be returning to the Pakistan Test side after a year. I dearly missed Test cricket and it was tough for me to be away from this format. After missing our entire home season because of the injury I suffered in Sri Lanka, I am eager to make an impactful comeback in the same country and complete a century of wickets in Test cricket. I want to thank my fans who have provided me support in tough times and I am ready for the challenges ahead,” said Afridi in a statement released by the PCB.
Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka tour: Ba𓃲bar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan 𝓡(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, Shan Masood.
