PAK vs ENG 2024: Pakistan confirm Playing XI for second Multan Test

A newly-revamped squad was announced by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) ahead of the second Test between Pakistan and England at the Multan Cricket Stadium starting October 15, 2024. In a shocking move where Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Babar Azam were sidelined from contention, Pakistan have now named the Playing XI for the upcoming encounter.

The side led by Shan Masood finds a new deputy in the form of Saud Shakeel, while Kamran Ghulam has replaced Babar Azam in the line-up. Mohammad Rizwan has been trusted with the wicketkeeping duties once again, while Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Zahid Mehmood have found surprise places in the playing combination ahead of the Multan encounter.

PCB confirmed their squad through a media release on Monday, October 14, and as expected, a lot of changes have been made for Masood & Co.

It is worth noting that Kamran Ghulam will be making his Test debut, and will be entering the field first time as a part of the announced playing XI. Interestingly, the batting all-rounder made his surprise debut for Pakistan when he replaced Haris Sohail as concussion substitute during an ODI against New Zealand in January 2023.

Ben Stokes back for England

Meanwhile, the visitors also announced their Playing XI earlier in the day, and the biggest drawing was the incoming of mainstay skipper Ben Stokes, who returned after recovering from his injury. Stokes was missing from the first Test where Ollie Pope captained England.

Also Read: Ben Stokes fit again to lead England in second Test against Pakistan

Pakistan vs England 2024, 2nd Test, Playing XIs:

Pakistan

Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (vc), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mehmood

England

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir