LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday, announced making two changes to the Shaheens’ squad for the upcoming three-day practice match against West Indies, scheduled to commence on Friday.
According to the cricket board, young fast bowler Ali Raza and wicketkeeper batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori have replaced Ahmed Bashir and Haseebullah Khan respectively.
Haseebullah was ruled out of the practice match after sustaining an injury to his hand, which required stitches.
The young wicketkeeper was struck on the hand by the ball during practice.
Whereas, Ahmed has been advised to work on his bowling loads after he recovered from a groin strain sustained in December.
The three-day match serves as an opportunity for both sides to hon their skills ahead of the two-match Test series, scheduled to run from January 19 to 29.
The upcoming series is a significant milestone for Pakistan cricket, as it marks the first Test series on Pakistani soil featuring the West Indies since their 2006 visit.
While this is the first longer-format series in nearly two decades, the West Indies have toured Pakistan three times since 2018 for limited-overs fixtures.
The rivalry between Pakistan and the West Indies spans 54 Test matches, with Pakistan leading the head-to-head record with 21 wins.
The West Indies have 18 victories, while 15 matches ended in draws.
The last Test series between the two sides took place in 2021 in the Caribbean, ending in a 1-1 draw.
Pakistan Shaheens squad:
Imam-ul-Haq (c), Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Ali Raza, Ali Zaryab, Hussain Talat, Kashif Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Mohammad Suleman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Musa Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Rohail Nazir, and Saad Khan
West Indies Test squad:
Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Alick Athanaze, Amir Jangoo, Anderson Phillip, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Joshua Da Silva (wicketkeeper), Jomel Warrican, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Keacy Carty, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Mikyle Louis and Tevin Imlach
