Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam (Source: AFP)
Pakistan have been dealt a major setback ahead of their upcoming Test assignments, with Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel both facing fitness concerns.
The duo are currently recovering, leaving their participation in the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England uncertain.
Pakistan is scheduled to play a two-match Test series against the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. The first Test will be played from July 25 to 29, while the second match is set for August 2 to 6.
Before the series begins, Pakistan will travel to the Caribbean on July 13 and play a four-day warm-up fixture starting on July 18.
Mohammad Rizwan Faces Fitness Race Ahead of Caribbean Tour
Mohammad Rizwan remains doubtful for the Test series against the West Indies as he continues his recovery under the supervision of the Pakistan team's medical staff (according to Geo Super).
The experienced wicketkeeper is part of Pakistan's ongoing red-ball training camp at the NCA, which started on June 8 and will continue until July 10.
However, Mohammad Rizwan reportedly joined the camp later than planned and has not taken part in regular training sessions.
Also Read: Shaheen Afridi Issues Official Statement On Mohammad Rizwan's ODI Future
Rizwan's recovery progress is being closely monitored, and the PCB medical team is expected to conduct a fitness assessment on July 6.
Who Will Replace Mohammad Rizwan If He Is Unfit?
If Rizwan is unable to recover in time, wicketkeepers Ghazi Ghori and Rohail Nazir are among the leading candidates to be included in the Pakistan's squad.
The Geo Super report suggest that Rohail Nazir has already been added to the red-ball training setup as selectors prepare for different scenarios. The management is expected to finalise its squad once Rizwan's medical assessment is completed.
Saud Shakeel Likely To Miss Pakistan's Tour Of WI And ENG
Pakistan is also sweating over the availability of middle-order batter Saud Shakeel, who is undergoing rehabilitation ahead of the West Indies and England tours.
According to the same reports, Saud Shakeel is currently recovering under the guidance of the team's medical staff.
While there has been progress, his fitness status remains uncertain, and selectors are waiting for further updates before making a final decision.
Sources indicate that Pakistan may need to bring another middle-order batter into the training camp if Shakeel is unable to return to full fitness.
Will Saud Shakeel Be Available For West Indies And England?
At this stage, Saud Shakeel's participation in Pakistan's tour of the West Indies and England is doubtful. Team officials are expected to continue monitoring his rehabilitation before reaching a conclusion.
After the West Indies assignment, Pakistan will travel to England for a three-match Test series. The first Test is scheduled for August 19 at Headingley in Leeds, followed by matches at Lord’s on August 27 and Edgbaston on September 9.
With both Rizwan and Shakeel still recovering, Pakistan will be hoping for positive fitness updates in the coming weeks as they prepare for a busy Test season.
