Imam-ul-Haq to be recalled for 2nd Test vs West Indies as Pakistan opt for 'no-pacer playing XI'

Pakistan are reportedly set to add Imam-ul-Haq to their Test XI for the upcoming second Test against West Indies, scheduled to be played from Saturday (January 25) in Multan.

The left-handed batsman last played a Test for Pakistan in December 2023 when the Shan Masood-led side locked horns against Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Imam-ul-Haq has fallen down the pecking order in recent times and has not represented Pakistan in any format since 2023.

However, he is now in contention for a place in the Pakistan squad for next month's ICC Champions Trophy. With Saim Ayub injured and Abdullah Shafique struggling with form, Imam-ul-Haq is in contention to earn a recall from the ODI team.

And ahead of that, he is also set to return to the Test team for the Multan Test against West Indies. The Pakistani team management and the selectors might want to see his form before taking the final call on his participation in the Champions Trophy.

Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Rashid Latif takes shot at India, urges Pakistan to focus on playing 'attacking cricket'

Imam-ul-Haq to replace Khurram Shahzad:

As per media reports, Imam-ul-Haq will be replacing Khurram Shahzad in the Pakistan squad for the second Test. Khurram was the lone fast-bowler in Pakistan playing eleven for the first Test against West Indies. In that game, he got to bowl just one over as Pakistan relied solely on their spinners.

Reports state that Pakistan have decided against including any fast bowler in the team for the second Test and it has opened the doors for Imam-ul-Haq's recall.

🚨 Imam ul Haq is likely to replace Khurram Shehzad in the second Test against West Indies. (Geo News) pic.twitter.com/5eiSbcXUn4

— 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞 (@CallMeSheri1) January 24, 2025

Pakistan most likely to pick NO fast-bowler in the Second Test against WestIndies at Multan. #PAKvWI

— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) January 24, 2025

Meanwhile, Pakistan are leading the ongoing two-match series against West Indies. The hosts registered a 127-run win in the first Test to take an unassailable lead. Batting first, Pakistan recovered from 46/4 to post 230 runs thanks to half-centuries from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan.

In reply, West Indies were all out for 137 runs. Noman Ali picked up 5 wickets while Sajid Khan claimed 4 wickets. In the second innings, Pakistan scored 157 runs with captain Shan Masood scoring 52 runs. No other Pakistan batter could even reach the 30-run mark in that innings.

Set a target of 250 runs, West Indies once again failed to do well with the bat and were all out for 123 runs. Sajid Khan impressed with the ball again, taking 5 wickets while Abrar Ahmed took 4 wickets.