Babar Azam to be dropped from Pakistan Test Team? PCB to overhaul Pakistan squad for England series

Pakistan's upcoming Test series against England at home is one of the most highly anticipated contests, and the excitement for the series is set to reach the next level as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to announce the squad this week.

Speculations over changes to the Pak cricket team are now growing louder following their embarrassing whitewash at the hands of Bangladesh in a recent two-match Test series at home.

However, it is being said that Shan Masood will be retained as the Test captain, but their recent whitewash will see major changes in the Pak cricket team squad for the next series against England, which is set to be announced this week.

Major changes expected in Pakistan’s squad for England Test series

According to Cricket Pakistan, the countdown for the upcoming three-match Test is all set to begin with the PAK squad set to assemble in Multan on October 2, just as the England cricket team touches down for the much-awaited tour.

While the tourists enjoy a rest day on October 3, the Pak players will dive straight into intense training sessions to prepare for the home series.

Meanwhile, inside sources have revealed that three to four players who were part of the Pak squad for their recent Test series against Bangladesh could be dropped, as the national team management is keen on having fresh blood for the big-ticket Test series against England.

The spotlight now falls on Pak's red-ball head coach, Jason Gillespie, who has been involved in preparations after wrapping up a connection camp in Lahore to oversee the selection process.

Gillespie, along with the Pakistan selectors Mohammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq, has been evaluating top talents in the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup in Faisalabad.

The Champions One-Day Cup Final will be crucial for picking the Test squad

Following discussions with Pak's captain Masood and head coach Gillespie, the national selection committee will announce a list of probable players for the squad for the upcoming Test series against England, starting on October 7 at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

The outcome of the Champions One-Day Cup final on Sunday, September 29, will play a significant role in the selectors’ decision to pick the players for the England Test series. Once the list is approved by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the test squad will be officially revealed this week.

As far as the PAK vs ENG Test series is concerned, it will begin on October 7 in Multan, followed by the second match at the same venue on October 15. The third and final Test is scheduled at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on October 24.

On the other hand, England has already announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming Test series in Pakistan. This much-awaited Test series between PAK and ENG is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25.

Here's England's squad for the Pakistan Tests:

Ben Stokes (C), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Joe Root, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, and Matthew Potts.