Pakistan Squad for the West Indies Test Series (2025)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a well-balanced 15-member squad for the two-match Test series against the West Indies. The series is crucial for Pakistan as it is part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle. This will be the West Indies’ first Test series in Pakistan in nearly two decades.
Captain and Vice-Captain
- Captain: Shan Masood
- Vice-Captain: Saud Shakeel
Complete Squad
- Shan Masood (Captain)
- Saud Shakeel (Vice-Captain)
- Babar Azam
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Mohammad Huraira
- Kamran Ghulam
- Salman Ali Agha
- Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper)
- Rohail Nazir (Wicketkeeper)
- Noman Ali
- Sajid Khan
- Abrar Ahmed
- Khurram Shahzad
- Mohammad Ali
- Kashif Ali
Key Highlights
Shan Masood Named Captain
Shan Masood will lead the team in this series. Masood, an experienced opening batsman, has been entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the team through the Test series.
Vice-Captain Saud Shakeel
Saud Shakeel, one of the promising young batsmen, is named vice-captain. His recent performances in domestic cricket have earned him this recognition.
Spin Department Reinforced
To counter the West Indies’ batting line-up, Pakistan has bolstered their spin attack:
- Sajid Khan: The off-spinner, known for his wicket-taking ability, returns to the squad after a period of absence.
- Abrar Ahmed: The mystery spinner is recalled, bringing variety to Pakistan’s spin attack, alongside Noman Ali, who is known for his consistency.
Changes in Opening Pair
- Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Huraira return to the squad, filling the opening spots. Imam brings solid technique, while Huraira’s inclusion is aimed at providing youthful energy and new dynamics at the top of the order.
- The exclusion of Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique is due to injury and poor form, respectively.
Pace Attack Rotation
- Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, and Kashif Ali join the squad as part of the pace bowling rotation.
- The pace quartet of Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza, and Naseem Shah has been rested for this series.
Wicketkeeping Options
- Mohammad Rizwan, the experienced wicketkeeper-batsman, will play a central role in the middle order.
- Rohail Nazir, former Pakistan U19 captain, has been included as a backup wicketkeeper, adding further depth to the squad.
Series Schedule
The two-match Test series will take place in January 2025:
- First Test: January 17–21, 2025, at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan
- Second Test: January 25–29, 2025, at National Stadium, Karachi
Series Importance
This series marks the West Indies’ return to Pakistan for Test matches after 18 years, and it is an important opportunity for Pakistan to build on their World Test Championship points. The series is expected to showcase Pakistan’s emerging talents and experienced players, particularly in the batting and spin departments.
This squad, with a mix of experience and youth, looks to make an impact as they take on the West Indies in the Test format, aiming to dominate the series and strengthen their position in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.