Imam-ul-Haq's Recall and Major Changes in Pakistan Test Squad for West Indies Series

Pakistan have far-reaching changes in their Test squad for the home series against the West Indies, which is starting at Multan. There are a number of fresh faces on the squad, with a decision to increase the options for spin bowling and a number of omissions. Seven changes have been made from the same set of players who returned from South Africa. Many may consider that this is indeed a reflection of change in strategy, especially in terms of bowling.

Imam-ul-Haq is returning to the Test side after a long time and he has been brought back to the side as a result of injuries to the young opener Saim Ayub, coupled with the lack of form that Abdullah Shafique has experienced for some time now. Imam was last seen in action during the 2023-24 series against Australia at the MCG. This is a new starting for the openers as Imam will now accompany uncapped Muhammad Hurraira, who is to replace Shafique in the side. Most are stunned at the inclusion of Hurraira, for he has played no international-level cricket so far.

The side also looks at a more spin-oriented attack for the series against the West Indies. Sajid Khan, who played an important role in Pakistan's victory over England in their home leg, has been brought back to the side. Abrar Ahmed, another talented spinner, also returns to the side. All these changes have been made keeping in mind that Pakistan wants to completely dominate at home conditions, where spinners tend to get help.

In a shocking twist, Mohammad Abbas, who has returned successfully and done well in the last few matches, is excluded from the squad. His exclusion is one of the big talking points and comes at a time when his form has picked up. Aamer Jamal, Mir Hamza, and Naseem Shah have also been left out of the squad. The PCB has cited workload management as the reason for the absence of these key bowlers. This decision reflects a strategic shift, as the team looks to manage the workload of its fast-bowling resources, especially given the number of Test matches scheduled in the coming months.

Two newcomers in the form of Mohammad Ali and Kashif Ali have been named to the team. Mohammad Ali is brought back, and an uncapped fast bowler Kashif Ali is also given his first call-up to the team. Kashif Ali is something different for Pakistan as it attempts to regain its balance in the pacers department after the injury caused by several of its pacers. The team will also consist of Under-19 captain Rohail Nazir as the back-up wicketkeeper to Haseebullah, who got injured in the South Africa series. More depth has been added to the squad, particularly in the wicketkeeping department.

The two-match series against the West Indies is going to commence from January 17, 2025. The first Test will be from January 17-21, while the second Test is going to be held between January 25-29, 2025. Being a dry venue with spin-friendly conditions, Multan might turn out to be the perfect haven for the spinners to make a killing.

That Pakistan has chosen a heavy- spin team, which does not include major fast bowlers, reflects the strategy of capitalizing on home conditions to neutralize a West Indies team that may not be as comfortable in subcontinental conditions. Young and fresh faces and the recall of all-weather operators like Imam-ul-Haq and Sajid Khan create exciting uncertainty around the team. Hopefully, these changes would help them have a winning series and help in the maturation of the Test cricket side.

The changes that will be faced are for the new squad that will represent the country for the series: Shan Masood (Captain), Saud Shakeel (Vice-Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir, Sajid Khan, and Salman Ali Agha.

The eyes of Pakistan's cricketing fraternity would be on Multan with the series approaching soon, to watch how things go in the field and if this combination can make Pakistan come out trumps against the West Indies.