Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel undergo net training as fitness concerns ease

LAHORE: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and middle-order batter Saud Shakeel took part in net sessions on the final day of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) red-ball camp, providing a positive sign ahead of Pakistan's upcoming Test tours of the West Indies and England.

Both players had been dealing with fitness concerns and underwent fitness tests as part of their recovery process. 

Their participation in training suggests they are making encouraging progress after earlier reports cast doubt over their availability for the forthcoming red-ball assignments.

Earlier, media reports had suggested that Rizwan and Shakeel were doubtful for the upcoming tours due to fitness issues, with both players undergoing rehabilitation under the close supervision of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) medical staff.

Rizwan's fitness concern had also resulted in wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir being called up to the red-ball training camp. 

However, neither player was ruled out of contention, with reports indicating they were expected to regain full fitness before the final squad announcement.

The PCB also confirmed that the NCA red-ball camp concluded on Wednesday, with players participating in batting and bowling sessions at the LCCA Ground.

Throughout the camp, NCA coaches and members of the national team coaching staff worked closely with players to enhance their technical skills, with the programme also featuring scenario-based and practice matches to improve their readiness for different match situations ahead of the busy Test schedule.

Meanwhile, it was also reported that a 17-member squad is expected to be finalised from the current group of 22 players, with a single squad likely to be announced for the five-Test assignment across both tours.

Significant changes are anticipated from the squad that recently featured against Bangladesh, with several senior players expected to miss out.

Fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali and Noman Ali are unlikely to be selected after not being included in the red-ball camp, while uncapped and returning players are expected to receive opportunities.

Among those under consideration are pacers Mohammad Ali, Obaid Shah and Shahnawaz Dahani.

Pakistan are expected to depart for the West Indies on 13 July, where they will play a four-day warm-up match beginning on 18 July.

The two-Test series against the West Indies will be played in Trinidad and Tobago from 25–29 July and 2–6 August, respectively.

Following the Caribbean tour, Pakistan will travel to England for a three-Test series, with matches scheduled at Headingley, Leeds from 19 August, Lord's from 27 August, and Edgbaston, Birmingham from 9 September.