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Sarfaraz Ahmed

Test Captain Babar Azam ruled out of first Test against England

by
Test Captain

LEEDS: Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first Test against England due to injury, with Salman Ali Agha set to lead the side in his absence.

Pakistan red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed Babar’s unavailability during a press conference in Leeds, saying the team’s medical staff was assessing his injury.

“We hope Babar will be available for the second Test,” Sarfaraz said.

The coach said Pakistan’s confidence had received a boost after winning the practice match and expressed optimism that the team would perform well in the opening Test.

Pakistan yet to finalize playing combination

Sarfaraz said the team management was still considering the best combination for the first Test. He identified fast bowler Mohammad Abbas as an important player in the English conditions.

He also confirmed that Shan Masood was fully fit and available for the match, adding that all players had worked hard in preparation for the series.

Sarfaraz said Babar remained in good form despite missing the opening Test, while Saud Shakeel and other batters had also been performing well.

“Losing an important player is a setback, but we have confidence in all our players,” Sarfaraz said.

He added that Babar’s presence would have allowed the team to consider different combinations, but Pakistan would now focus on making the best use of the available players.

Misbah, Sarfaraz appointed as members of selection committee

by
Misbah, Sarfaraz

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board has added two former captains to the national men’s selection committee.

According to an update on the PCB’s official website, Misbah-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed have been appointed as members of the selection committee.

They will join Aaqib Javed and Asad Shafiq, who will continue to serve on the panel. With the new appointments, the national selection committee now consists of four members.

The development comes after Aleem Dar resigned from the selection committee three days ago following Pakistan’s early exit from the recent cricket World Cup.

Pakistan Cricket Board has decided not to make major changes to the national team despite its disappointing performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

According to sources, the board has opted to maintain continuity in its policies and will not replace the captain or coaching staff in any format.

Sources said that head coach Mike Hesson will continue his role in One Day International and T20 formats as per his contract. Meanwhile, Salman Ali Agha will remain captain in the T20 format, while Shaheen Shah Afridi has been retained as captain for One Day Internationals.

The decision reflects the board’s approach to support team leadership rather than making immediate changes after major defeats.

Sources also confirmed that the resignation of Aleem Dar from the national selection committee has been accepted.