Pakistan have announced the squad for the upcoming second and third Test matches against England. The announcement comes on the heels of a challenging performance in the series opener, prompting changes in the team.

Notably, fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have also been dropped from the squad, alongside Babar Azam. Babar’s exclusion has been particularly notable, as he has faced intense criticism for his form over the past few months. Babar’s inconsistency has raised questions about his position in the team. 

His recent performances have not lived up to the high standards set in previous series, and the selectors' decision to drop him underscores the need for a shake-up. Additionally, spinner Abrar Ahmed has also been left out as he has been suffering from dengue. Meanwhile, Pakistan have included Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Ali and off-Sajid Khan. The second Test starts in Multan on 15 October, while the third Test will be played in Rawalpindi, starting on 24 October.

"Selecting the squad for the upcoming Tests against England has been a challenging task for the selectors. We've had to carefully consider current player form, the urgency to bounce back in the series and Pakistan's demanding 2024-25 international schedule. With these factors in mind and in the best interest of Pakistan cricket as well as the players, we've made the decision to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi," Aaqib Javed, one of the new selection committee appointees, said.

"We are confident that this break from international cricket will help these players regain their fitness, confidence and composure, ensuring they return in top shape for future challenges. They remain some of our finest talents with much more to contribute to Pakistan cricket. We are fully committed to supporting them during this period so they can come back even stronger.

"At the same time, we are offering opportunities to uncapped players like Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam, along with Mohammad Ali, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Zahid Mehmood. They now have the chance to showcase their skills against a formidable England side. We believe they will rise to the occasion and make the most of this opportunity in the remaining two Tests."

Pakistan squad for second and third Tests: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wicket-keeper), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.