Sarfaraz Ahmed, Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batsman, and Faheem Ashraf, the right-arm medium-fast bowler, have been omitted from the national team for the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The 12-player squad for the Benaud–Qadir Trophy's second match features Mohammad Rizwan stepping in for former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as the wicketkeeper-batsman. Additionally, Hassan Ali replaces all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, and Mir Hamza joins the team in lieu of the injured Khurram Shahzad for the test against Australia.
The squad includes Shaan Masood (captain), Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafiq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi, Aamir Jamal, and Sajid Khan.
The team management has announced that the final playing XI will be disclosed prior to the match tomorrow.
This series contributes to the ICC Test Championship 2025 cycle, with the hosts, Australia, leading 1-0 in the three-match test series.
