The selection committee has completed the initial consultation for the ICC Champions Trophy and the 2-Test series against the West Indies.
According to Express News, after the approval of the Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the national squads will be announced by Saturday evening.
The prospective squad for the Champions Trophy will represent Pakistan in the tri-nation ODI series starting from February 8.
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The names of the initial squad for the ICC Champions Trophy must be submitted before 12:00 PM on February 11, more than 15 names to the ICC. There is no ban on smoking. With the 15-member squad, reserve players can also be selected.
Under the ICC Rules, any player can be replaced at any time before February 12, after which only the ICC Technical Committee can approve a change in the squad on medical grounds.
On the other hand, in the test matches scheduled in Multan from January 17 and 25, it is proposed to rest the senior players and give a chance to the performers of the Pakistan Shaheens squad.
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Important players may be rested ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.
The three-day match between West Indies and Pakistan Shaheens is scheduled to be played from January 10 to 12 at the Islamabad Club, in which the selectors will have a special eye on the young players.
The Pakistan team is out of the finals of the World Test Championship and these two Test matches will be just a formality, the selectors are of the opinion that it would be more appropriate to give a chance to those players in these Test matches who will go on to the ICC Test Championship. Eligible to represent Pakistan in 2025-26.
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Quaid-e-Azam Trophy top scorer Azan Owais of Sialkot, who has scored 844 runs with the help of 4 centuries, is also included in the preliminary list.
Imam-ul-Haq has proved his fitness and form by scoring 635 runs after reaching triple figures 3 times in five matches. He is also a strong candidate to make a comeback in the Test squad. A place in the Test team will be assured.
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Niaz Khan of Peshawar Regions has caught the attention of the selectors by making 39 catches in 8 matches in the trophy, Musa Khan has been the leader in guiding 48 players to the pavilion in the same number of matches.
