Pakistan and Sri Lanka Set to Clash in Exciting Test Series
A highly anticipated two-match Test series is on the horizon as Pakistan and Sri Lanka gear up to face each other. Sources have revealed that the series is likely to be scheduled from July 16 to 28, and will serve as part of the ICC World Test Championship. The matches are expected to take place in Colombo and Galle, adding to the excitement of this cricketing battle.
Official Schedule Yet to be Announced
Although the official schedule has not been released, Sri Lanka is expected to make the announcement in the coming days. The hosts are keen on wrapping up the series before the Lanka Premier League (LPL), which is scheduled to take place from July 31 to August 22.
Expected Schedule
The first Test is set to kick off on July 16 and will run until July 20. The second Test will follow shortly after, commencing on July 24 and concluding on July 28.
Shaheen Afridi’s Potential Absence
There is a possibility that Pakistan’s star fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi, might miss the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Sources indicate that the tall paceman could be rested to manage his workload ahead of this year’s World Cup. Currently, Afridi is participating in England’s T20 Blast for Nottinghamshire, where he has been in impressive form, taking 13 wickets in nine matches.
Selection Camps Underway
In Lahore, the National Cricket Academy is hosting specialized camps for men, with 13 spinners, 11 fast bowlers, and 14 batters invited to participate. These camps will play a crucial role in selecting the squad for Pakistan’s Test series against Sri Lanka. The camps are scheduled from June 10 to 15 for spinners and from June 16 to 21 for fast bowlers, allowing selectors to identify the best talent for the upcoming series.
List of Invited Players
Spinners: Abrar Ahmed, Ali Asfand, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Mohammad Junaid, Mehran Mumtaz, Mubasir Khan, Noman Ali, Qasim Akram, Sajid Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usama Mir, and Zahid Mehmood.
Fast bowlers: Aamir Jamal, Arshad Iqbal, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Ihsanullah, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Naseem Shah, and Shahnawaz Dahani.
Batters: Abdullah Shafique, Haris Sohail, Haseebullah, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Huraira, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, and Tayyab Tahir.
The cricketing world eagerly awaits this thrilling clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the upcoming Test series. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage of this exciting battle of the titans.
Published in PakWeb, June 15th, 2023.
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