Pakistan have made a set of touch calls ahead of their next two clashes against England, as they have dared to drop the likes of veteran batter Babar Azam and pace duo Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/Pak-drop-big-3.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-148490" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pakistan drop their 3-big stars ahead of 2nd and 3rd Test against England (Image: CricTracker)</figcaption></figure>



 The likes of uncapped and talented batter <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamran_Ghulam">Kamran Ghulam </a>have been called up to feature for Pakistan and might be seen tackling the middle order, replacing the great Babar Azam. The other major name who have been replaced from the side includes Haseebullah, who replaced the likes of veteran wicketkeeper and Champions Trophy-winning captain, Sarfaraz Ahmed. Spinner Mehran Mumtaz has also been called up for a backup option other than Abrar Ahmed, who went wicketless for Pakistan in the first Test, while seasoned spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali have also been added to the squad as they replaced the likes of the two quicks from the side. 



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 Though Babar?s drop in form has been documented well, the dip in form for Shaheen has also been quite eminent, since he has averaged over 45 in red-ball cricket since his return to test cricket after his injury state. Naseem was the other pacer who followed with a bad form as well, while Naseem remained Pakistan?s specialist red-ball bowler for years without having played white-ball cricket. After Naseem too returned from his injury this April, he could not assess his pace and accuracy following his surgery. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pakistan?s probable playing 11 ahead of the Second Multan Test</h2>



The Pakistan Cricket Board has finally announced their squad for the upcoming test match fixtures to be held against the touring English side, who crushed them in a disastrous defeat. Pakistan Squad for 2nd and 3rd Test: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice captain), Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wicketkeeper), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, and Zahid Mehmood. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Let?s take a look at the possible playing 11 ahead of the final two tests against England:</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/Pakistan-changes-to-Squad-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-148491" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pakistan have made some big changes to their Squad for test against England (Image Credit: Cricket Addictor) </figcaption></figure>



Openers: Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub Pakistan's most highly recognized opening pair is Shafique and Ayub, of which the former was seen as a centurion in the first innings of the Pakistan inning. Middle-order batters: Shan Masood [C], Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan The Pakistan skipper started off well in the first innings against England, as the Multan track always seems to be a healthy track for batters. The legendary Babar Azam might be replaced by the debutant Kamran Ghulam. Among the Pakistan team, the two most set batters who seem to be in touch, Saud Shakeel and Rizwan, are expected to be possibly placed into the side. All-rounders and bowlers: Salman Ali Agha, Mir Hamza, Aamer Jamal, Abrar Ahmed, and Noman Ali The in-form Salman Ali Agha, who scored stunning innings against Bangladesh, also went on to score a hundred in the first inning of the game while also backing his innings with another half-century. Also, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi will be replaced by a duo of spin and pace, as the most likely players to be brought into the squad are Hamza and Noman Ali.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-no-hitman-in-bgt-reports-speculate-that-indian-skipper-rohit-sharma-might-miss-a-few-matches-in-the-border-gavaskar-trophy-search-over-deputy-continues/">IND vs AUS: No Hitman in BGT!! Reports speculate that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma might miss a few matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy; search over deputy continues</a>

Pakistan dropped their 3 big stars ahead of the upcoming tests against England ft. Babar Azam||

Pakistan dropped their 3 big stars ahead of the upcoming tests against England ft. Babar Azam

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ENG vs PAK: The English are touring Pakistan for a three-match Test series as they look to prove their dominance as one of the greatest red-ball teams in the history of the game. The first test played at Multan went largely in favour of the English. Joe Root and Harry Brook, the English batters, broke the backs of Pakistan bowlers as they broke several records and rewrote the record books with intent. Brook scored his maiden triple hundred, while Root also portrayed excellence in scoring his highest-ever individual score. Now, Pakistan have made some huge changes to their squad for the next two test matches as well, which will be played in Multan and Rawalpindi, the two most high-average scoring grounds in the nation. 



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 Pakistan recently announced their squad for the two upcoming test matches, as the biggest decision in favour of Pakistan saw Babar Azam being dropped from the Pakistan squad. Also, the likes of Pakistan pace duo Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah have been dropped while they have backed their squad with some new spinners. On Monday, Pakistan as well as England both announced their squads. Many significant changes have been made to the squads, with the likes of Pakistan making 4 changes to the Pakistan side and the great England skipper making his comeback to England Test 11 after missing out on the 4 Test matches. 



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ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pakistan-dropped-their-3-big-stars-ahead-of-the-upcoming-tests-against-england-ft-babar-azam/">Pakistan dropped their 3 big stars ahead of the upcoming tests against England ft. Babar Azam</a> Pakistan Playing 11: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood [C], Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mehmood. This marked a significant change in the perspective of Pakistan?s form in Test cricket; the almost quick-dependent side went on to go with 4 players for a spin in the squad. They have named the two new inclusions of Zahid Mehmood, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan alongside Salman Ali Agha as all these would bowl, leg-spin, slow-left-arm, and off-spin, respectively. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamran_Ghulam">Kamran Ghulam</a> replaces the veteran Pakistan cricketer Babar Azam in the side as he makes his debut in international test cricket. England playing 11: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Ben Stokes, Brydon Carse, Matt Potts, Jack Leach, and Shoaib Bashir. The England team doesn?t see many changes to the squad, as Chris Woakes has been dropped from the squad as Ben Stokes, the English skipper, makes a return to the England side, while the rest of the team remains unchanged.

ENG vs PAK: Pakistan and England announce Playing 11, as Kamran Ghulam makes his debut for Pakistan while captain Stokes gears up to take to the field

eng-vs-pak-pakistan-and-england-announce-playing-11-as-kamran-ghulam-makes-his-debut-for-pakistan-while-captain-stokes-gears-up-to-take-to-the-field

Pakistan vs England 2nd Test 2024: Pakistan announce their playing XI for the 2nd test-match vs England, Kamran Ghulam in, Babar Azam out: In what proves to be a significant development, Pakistan?s Men's National Cricket Team have announced their Playing XI for the 2nd Test-Match versus England. Captained by Shan Masood, the Shaheens will be squaring off against the Three Lions in a do-or-die contest at the Cricket Stadium of Multan.



As anticipated, 29-year-old batter Kamran Ghulan has replaced experienced batsman Babar Azam at number-four in the playing XI of the Green Shirts. Moreover, Pakistan have also opted to go with four spinners, including spin-bowling All-Rounder Salman Ali Agha, for this forthcoming Test-Match.



This move gives a solid indication that the surface for the 2nd-test in Multan will be a spin-friendly one and will provide a lot of assistance to the slower bowlers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Babar Azam replaced by Kamran Ghulam in the Playing XI</h2>



In a bold-move, the team-management of Pakistan have taken the tough decision of dropping out-of-form batter Babar Azam from the squad for the last two-encounters of the three-match Test-Series.



The home side have made significant changes to their squad, bringing in several new-faces in hopes of turning around their fortunes on home-soil.



A highly talented middle-order batsman, Ghulam has scored tons of runs at the First-Class Cricket level, amassing a total of 4,377 runs, including 20 fifties and 16 centuries at an outstanding average of 49.17. The 29-year-old is in really good form with the bat and would be looking to create an instant impact on his debut in the 2nd-test versus England.



Left handed opening batter Saim Ayub, who didn't have a good outing with the bat in the 1st-test match, has retained his spot in the Starting XI alongside Abdullah Shafique. The latter scored a terrific hundred in the first inning of the previous contest and he would be looking to play an important role with the bat again for his team.



Captain Shan Masood will be occupying the number three position in the batting-order. The Southpaw had an amazing 1st Test-Match having played an outstanding knock of 151 runs in the first inning. He would once again to be looking to take the responsibility with the bat as the captain and help Pakistan level the series versus England.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pakistan vs England 2nd Test 2024: Pakistan's Starting XI versus England</h2>



Shan Masood (Captain), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (Vice-Captain), Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Saim Ayub, Aamer Jamal, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Zahid Mohammad and Noman Ali. 



Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pakistan-vs-england-2nd-test-2024-when-and-where-to-watch-the-match-in-india/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pakistan-vs-england-2nd-test-2024-when-and-where-to-watch-the-match-in-india/">Pakistan vs England 2nd Test 2024: When and Where to watch the match in India</a>



For more information, visit the official websites of <a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/womens-t20-worldcup/news" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/womens-t20-worldcup/news">ICC</a> and <a href="https://www.pcb.com.pk/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.pcb.com.pk/">Pakistan Cricket</a>.<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pakistan-vs-england-2nd-test-2024-when-and-where-to-watch-the-match-in-india/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pakistan-vs-england-2nd-test-2024-when-and-where-to-watch-the-match-in-india/"> </a>

Pakistan vs England 2nd Test 2024: Pakistan announce their playing XI for the 2nd test-match vs England, Kamran Ghulam in, Babar Azam out

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Babar Azam?s drop from the Pakistan national side has made a huge stir in international cricket. Defending their daring step, Pakistan's head coach clarified that Babar has only been rested and not dropped, while also declaring him as their no. 1 batter.



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 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azhar_Ali">Azhar Ali</a>?s introduction as the Pakistan selector was not in the best way planned, as his first task to inform Babar about being dropped seemed controversial as a selector. Also, one of the strongest performers in the Pakistan domestic circle, Kamran Ghulam, was also named the best domestic player of the year by the PCB. However, this seemed one of the biggest course-changing decisions in the history of Pakistan cricket. Also, Kamran Ghulam has been named into the playing 11 after being immediately placed into the squad following the exit of veteran batter Babar Azam. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fakhar Zaman?s dig on PCB over the decision to bench Babar Azam</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/Fakhar-takes-a-dig-on-PCB-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-148558" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fakhar Zaman issued show cause over taking a dig on PCB over benching PCB (Image Credit: ProBatsman) </figcaption></figure>



Another veteran and exciting Pakistani cricketer of white ball cricket, Fakhar Zaman, has played several splendid match-winning matches for the Pakistan team. He, with a post on his X handle, questioned the PCB selection committee's decision to bench a player of Babar?s calibre. Zaman also drew a comparison of the Pakistani legendary cricketer with Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli, as the latter also faced a tough phase in his career between the years 2020?23. He also sparked how Babar Azam, arguably their best batter, is dropped from the team owing to weak form, then it creates a stir of fear and instils a lack of confidence among other players. 



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 ?Azhar made it clear to Babar that he remained an integral part of Pakistan cricket?s future set-up and planning,? the source informed. As one of the Pakistani selectors' panel members, Aqib, mentioned, the break from international cricket would help them to regain their fitness as well as composure, hence making them ensured for future challenges.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/eng-vs-pak-pakistan-and-england-announce-playing-11-as-kamran-ghulam-makes-his-debut-for-pakistan-while-captain-stokes-gears-up-to-take-to-the-field/">ENG vs PAK: Pakistan and England announce Playing 11, as Kamran Ghulam makes his debut for Pakistan while captain Stokes gears up to take to the field</a>

Pakistan's head coach opens up about Babar Azam after Fakhar Zaman slams PCB|

Pakistan's head coach opens up about Babar Azam after Fakhar Zaman slams PCB on the decision to drop Babar Azam; draws comparison with Virat Kohli over major dig in form

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India batter Virat Kohli played a match-winning knock in the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against Australia.

Watch: Virat Kohli's batting makes wife Anushka Sharma sleep during ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final

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ICC Player Rankings ODI: Azmatullah Omarzai, Afghanistan's rising star, has topped the ICC ODI all-rounder rankings after an impressive campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy. Omarzai, who is only 25 years old, has surpassed fellow veteran Mohammad Nabi to take the top spot, reflecting his impressive performance on the international stage.

ICC Rankings 2025: Azmatullah Omarzai becomes no 1 ranked all-rounder, Shubman Gill retains ODI batsman crown, Rohit-Virat also benefit

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Rachin Ravindra has just taken 13 ICC innings to reach the magical figures of 5 ICC tournament hundreds at the age of 25.

Rachin Ravindra goes past greats like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers with latest ICC hundred in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy

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ICC Champions Trophy: Over a million people lined up to purchase tickets for the 2025 Champions Trophy final, which sold out in a matter of hours. After India defeated Australia in the semi-finals, there was a lot of demand. The prices of the tickets were AED 250 to AED 12,000 each. The Dubai International Stadium has had high attendance, with games against Australia and Pakistan drawing almost full houses.

Tickets of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final featuring Team India sold out in no time

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India captain Rohit Sharma has achieved a massive feat in the history of Indian cricket.

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