Pakistan's probable Test squad for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England has emerged, with an official announcement expected in the coming days. According to sources, the national selection committee has finalised consultations on the proposed 17-member squad and the captaincy, recommending that Shan Masood continue as Test captain. The proposal has been forwarded to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman for approval. 

Sources said the likely squad is expected to retain Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, Abdullah Fazal and Owais Zafar. Senior players Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad are also expected to be included.  Uncapped players Obaid Shah and Ali Usman are likely to receive their maiden call-ups to the Test squad, while fast bowlers Mohammad Ali and Aamer Jamal are expected to return to the national red-ball side. 

Meanwhile, the fitness of veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and middle-order batter Saud Shakeel is being closely monitored. Both players have resumed training after undergoing fitness assessments, but sources said replacements could be named if either fails to regain full fitness before the squad is finalized.  Pakistan's Test team is scheduled to depart for the West Indies on July 13 before travelling to England for a three-match Test series. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)