Pakistan Cricket Team Makes Major Changes for Tests

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced significant changes to the squad for the second and third Tests against England, resting key players including former captain Babar Azam, fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, and wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed due to form and fitness concerns. All-rounder Kamran Ghulam is set to make his Test debut, joined by other uncapped players Haseebullah and Mehran Mumtaz, while experienced spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan have been recalled. The decision to rest top players comes after a disappointing performance in the first Test, where Babar managed only 35 runs. Captain Shan Masood and batsman Fakhar Zaman have expressed their support for Azam, advocating for patience as the team rebuilds. The squad aims to balance fresh talent with experienced players as they prepare for future international commitments. The second Test will take place in Multan on October 15, followed by the third in Rawalpindi on October 24.