LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 13-day red-ball training camp in Lahore as part of preparations for the upcoming international Test schedule. The camp will be held at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) from April 8 to 20 and will feature 18 players.
According to the PCB, players not involved in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season will take part in the camp under the supervision of NCA coaches. The programme is aimed at improving skills, fitness, and readiness for the longer format of the game.
Practice matches and training focus
As part of the schedule, two 90-over practice matches will be organised in Lahore to provide match exposure and help players adjust to red-ball conditions.
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The selected squad includes six batters, three spinners, six fast bowlers, and three wicketkeepers.
Context: WTC cycle and upcoming tours
Pakistan have played only one Test series in the current ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle so far, a two-match series against South Africa last year. Since then, the team has not featured in any red-ball fixtures.
Under the Future Tour Programme (FTP) 2023–27, Pakistan are scheduled to tour England for a three-match Test series from August 19 to September 13. A two-match Test series against the West Indies is also expected before the England tour.
Sri Lanka are set to visit Pakistan for a two-match Test series in November, while New Zealand will tour for two Tests in March 2027.
Squad for red-ball camp
The 18 players selected for the camp are: Afaq Afridi, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Hasan Raza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Suleman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Musa Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Naqeebullah, Niaz Khan, Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir, Saad Khan, Saifullah Bangash, Sajid Khan, Salman Khan, and Waqar Ahmed.
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