Pakistan’s red-ball cricketers are currently participating in a training camp at the LCCA Ground ahead of the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England with selectors and team management closely monitoring 22 players.
According to sources, selectors have prepared an initial shortlist during the camp. A 17-member squad is expected to be selected from the 22 players in attendance and final consultations regarding the Test squad will begin today.
Sources indicate that a single 17-player squad is likely to be announced for both the West Indies and England tours covering a total of five Test matches.
Several changes are expected in the Test squad that previously featured against Bangladesh. New players could replace Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali and Nauman Ali. Fast bowlers Mohammad Ali, Ubaid Shah and Shahnawaz Dahani are among the players under consideration.
Sources also suggest that a change in Pakistan’s Test captaincy is being considered with the future of current captain Shan Masood expected to be decided by Mohsin Naqvi.
According to reports, Pakistan’s Test squad is likely to depart for the West Indies on July 13. The team is scheduled to play four-day warm-up matches beginning on July 18.
The first Test of the two-match series against the West Indies is set to start on July 25 while the second Test will begin on August 2.
