The Pakistan cricket team, currently touring the UK, is expected to meet King Charles following the second Test against England. The meeting is likely to take place after the conclusion of the second Test at Lord’s on September 2.
Sources said the Pakistani delegation will be led by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, with members of the national team also expected to attend the royal engagement. Pakistan and England are currently playing a three-Test series.
The second Test is scheduled to be played at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground from August 27, after which the Pakistan team is expected to meet King Charles. If the meeting takes place as planned, it will be a memorable moment during Pakistan’s UK tour, bringing together cricket and British royal tradition.
On the other hand, significant changes are expected in Pakistan’s playing XI for the Lord’s Test against England, with Babar Azam likely to return to the team. According to sources, Azan Owais could be dropped if Babar makes his comeback, while the team management is also considering resting wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. Given the dry conditions at Lord’s, Pakistan is also considering playing with two spinners. The second Test between Pakistan and England is scheduled to begin at Lord’s on August 27.
It is worth mentioning here that England thrashed Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the opening Test of the three-match series at Headingley on Friday. Chasing a 238-run deficit, Pakistan were bowled out for 135 in their second innings, handing England a convincing victory.
Shan Masood scored 29, Abdullah Shafique 15, Saud Shakeel 14, Azan Owais 9 and Khurram Shahzad 8. Salman Ali Agha managed just four runs, while Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed without scoring. For England, Harry Brook top-scored with 91 runs, while Jordan Cox made 73, Joe Root scored 66, and Dean Lawrence contributed 51.
For Pakistan, Ali Usman claimed five wickets, while Khurram Shahzad took three. Facing a deficit of 238 runs, Pakistan struggled against England’s bowlers in their second innings and were bowled out for 135. Josh Tongue led the bowling attack with a devastating spell, tearing through Pakistan’s batting lineup.