Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has expressed his support for the national team as they prepare for the second Test against England in Multan. Afridi, along with Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, was released from the squad for the remaining two Tests of the series.
The changes to Pakistan’s squad were made by a newly-formed selection committee, formed hours after the hosts suffered an embarrassing loss by an innings and 47 runs to England in the first Test at Multan. Pakistan are 0-1 behind in the three-match Test series against England and are also at the bottom of the ongoing World Test Championship standings.
Afridi, who has been struggling with form and fitness, took to social media to wish the team well. “Wishing Team Pakistan the best of luck! Rooting for a strong comeback. We’re all cheering for you!” he wrote on Twitter.
The second Test between Pakistan and England will be played on the same pitch as the series opener in Multan from Tuesday. Pakistan will be hoping to level the series and avoid a humiliating whitewash.
Pakistan squad for second and third Tests:
* Shan Masood (captain)
* Saud Shakeel (vice-captain)
* Aamir 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
* Zahid Mehmood
