Shan Masood and Haris Rauf have been recalled to Pakistan's 16-man squad for the upcoming Test series against Australia, which begins on March 4 in Rawalpindi. Rauf has been recalled to replace off-spinner Bilal Asif, who was in the lineup for the Test series against South Africa and Zimbabwe in 2021 but was unconfirmed.
Masood replaces Abid Ali, who is completing his recovery after being hospitalized with Acute Coronary Syndrome in December last year. Masood last played a Test against New Zealand in January 2021. Pakistan has named squad players Yasir Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, and Kamran Ghulam in addition to the 16-man team.
Players who are not playing in the upcoming Pakistan Super League will meet in Karachi on February 16 for a training camp at the National Stadium, according to a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Following the first Test in Rawalpindi, the second and third Tests will be held in Karachi (March 12-16) and Lahore (March 21-25), respectively.
"For the important home series against Australia, we have opted for stability and have only made changes when absolutely necessary." This aims at encouraging confidence in the players, recognizing them for their outstanding results in the 2021 longer edition of the game, and continuing to develop the team for the future.
"These are the greatest available players in the domestic league, as well as the most talented and in-form. I am confident that they will put up a strong showing against a strong Australian team "Muhammad Wasim, the top selector, stated.