Pakistan announces Test squad for Sri Lanka tour; Shaheen Afridi returns to the red-ball outfit

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 format in July 2022 before sustaining a knee injury 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 Pakistani 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 around 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 significance to the series for both sides. The stakes will be high as teams look 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 from 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: 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, Shan Masood.

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June 17, 2023 at 01:18PM