LONDON: Pakistan Shaheens will take on a First-Class Counties Select XI in their opening one-day match of the England tour today.
During a training session at Kent’s Tonbridge School Ground, Pakistan’s Test off-spinner Sajid Khan fractured his right thumb, ruling him out of the tour.
The Shaheens will play the first of a three-match one-day series against a Professional County Club Select XI at Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham today.
Sajid Khan will return to Pakistan on the earliest available flight for further treatment at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. The team management has decided not to call up a replacement for him.
Captain Saud Shakeel said the team made the best use of the preparation time despite some rain interruptions. “We had enough time to adjust to the conditions and make good use of the facilities,” he added.
He further noted that white-ball cricket in England usually offers batting-friendly pitches, leading to high-scoring games. “We’ve prepared keeping that in mind,” Shakeel said.
Commenting on the opposition, he said, “The players we’re facing are under consideration for England’s selection, and our squad also has talented youngsters. I’m confident we’ll see a great series. Our players can impress selectors with strong performances.”
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Shakeel emphasized that such tours boost players’ confidence and are positive signs for the future. “These tours should continue,” he said.
The second ODI is scheduled for Friday at Beckenham, while the third will take place on July 27 at the First Central County Ground in Hove. The Shaheens are also set to play two three-day matches on the tour. The first, against a Professional County Club Select XI, will be held from July 29 to 31 at the Central County Ground in Hove.
The second three-day match, against a combined South Asian Cricket Academy and MCC Young Cricketers XI, is scheduled for August 3 to 5 at The Spitfire Ground, St. Lawrence, in Canterbury.
