Babar rested as Shaheen, Naseem pull out of 2nd Test

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan pace duo Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah pulled out at the eleventh hour with out-of-form premier batsman Babar Azam grabbing the option to take rest from the remaining part of the England series as the new-look selection committee included three uncapped players in the line-up.

Babar Azam, given the option to step aside and refresh, initially hesitated but eventually agreed to sit out the remaining two Test matches against England. “One of the selectors had a candid conversation with Babar, pointing out his recent struggles. After some reluctance, Babar accepted the advice to take a break,” a source within the selection committee told ‘The News’.

The decision was seen as a chance for the skipper to retune mentally and physically for the challenges ahead. Had Babar resisted the suggestion, there was a chance he could have been forced back into the second Test, though his participation in the third was still in doubt. “We wanted Babar to have a breather, and he finally agreed,” the source confirmed.

Meanwhile, Shaheen and Naseem were active members of the squad until Sunday morning before both pace aces raised concerns about their fitness. “They reported minor niggles, forcing the selectors to look for immediate replacements,” the insider confirmed.

It is believed that their subpar performances in the first Test may have also contributed to the decision, as the selectors urged them to elevate their game. “Their communication about these injuries came late, leading to a delay in the team’s announcement.”

Shaheen and Naseem were similarly absent during the second Test of Bangladesh series at the Pindi Stadium, raising questions about their long-term readiness. Veteran wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed, who has been transitioning to a mentoring role, was also left out of the squad. Having embraced his new position, it’s likely Sarfaraz has played his last game for Pakistan.

“It would have been appropriate to relieve him from the squad once he accepted the mentor role,” suggested a source close to the PCB. Also unavailable due to illness was Abrar Ahmad, recovering from dengue fever.

In place of the sidelined stars, Pakistan has called up promising young talent Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam. Mohammad Ali, a fast bowler, and off-spinner Sajid Khan have also joined the squad, alongside Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were initially released but have now been recalled.

Selection committee’s member Aaqib Javed remarked on the challenging selection process, balancing the need for fresh talent and ensuring key players like Babar, Shaheen, Naseem, and Sarfaraz get the rest they need.

“These players are some of Pakistan’s best. This break will help them return fitter and stronger,” Javed said. “We have full faith in the uncapped players and we are confident they will rise to the challenge against England,” he added.

With Haseebullah and Mehran now in the Test squad, Maaz Sadaqat and Rohail Nazir have replaced them in the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Oman from October 18.

Squad for the 2nd and 3rd Tests: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wicketkeeper), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Zahid Mehmood.