Babar Azam and his Pakistan side have one last chance to find their rhythm before the Test series against England begins, and it comes against a PCC Select XI at Beckenham starting tomorrow. Shan Masood’s return to training after injury adds an extra layer of intrigue, while England’s Emilio Gay is using the same match to prove his shoulder has healed in time for Headingley.
This three day fixture carries official first class status, so every run and wicket will count on the records, and Cricket Insider UK has pulled together everything you need on the schedule, squads, probable elevens, recent form, and how to follow the action from home.
PCC Select XI vs Pakistan Match Details and Schedule
The match was shortened from four days to three earlier this week after Kent Cricket, the England and Wales Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board agreed to alter the fixture. Here’s how the revised schedule looks.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | 13 to 15 August 2026 |
| Venue | The County Ground, Beckenham (Kent) |
| Daily start | 11:00am local time |
| Lunch | 1:00pm to 1:40pm |
| Tea | 3:40pm to 4:00pm |
| Close of play | 6:00pm |
| Format | First class Test warm up match |
(Source: Kent Cricket)
Anyone who bought a ticket for the original Wednesday start will be refunded automatically, and tickets already booked for Thursday, Friday and Saturday remain valid without any need to rebook.
PCC Select XI vs Pakistan Probable Playing Eleven
Neither side has confirmed a final eleven yet, and that’s normal for a tour match where squads often rotate players through the three days. Based on current fitness news and squad depth, here’s how both line ups could shape up.
Pakistan probable eleven:
- Imam ul Haq (opener)
- Abdullah Shafique (opener)
- Azan Awais (top order)
- Babar Azam (captain, middle order)
- Saud Shakeel (middle order)
- Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper)
- Salman Ali Agha (allrounder)
- Sajid Khan (spinner)
- Mohammad Abbas (seamer)
- Khurram Shahzad (seamer)
- Mohammad Ali (seamer)
Shan Masood has returned to full training after his recent injury, but Pakistan may still ease him back in gradually rather than risk him for all three days with the first Test against England close behind. Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman, Ubaid Shah and Awais Zafar all offer further depth if the team management wants to rotate their attack.
PCC Select XI probable eleven:
- Emilio Gay (opener)
- William Luxton (top order)
- Hamza Shaikh (middle order)
- Jacob Bethell (allrounder)
- James Rew (wicketkeeper)
- Craig Overton (bowling allrounder)
- Rehan Ahmed (leg spinner)
- Farhan Ahmed (off spinner)
- Matthew Fisher (seamer)
- Ollie Robinson (seamer)
- Sonny Baker (seamer)
Gay’s involvement is the detail England fans will want to watch closely, since Sky Sports had reported doubts over his fitness for the opening Test after a shoulder complaint. Him lining up here would count as a strong sign he’s on course for Headingley.
(Source: ESPNcricinfo, Sky Sports)
Because this fixture carries first class status, both sides are expected to stick to a standard eleven batting and bowling through the live sessions, even though tour matches sometimes see extra players brought in for practice time.
Recent Form Heading Into the Beckenham Warm Up
Pakistan arrive at Beckenham with genuine momentum for once. They beat West Indies by eight wickets in the second Test earlier this month, with Abdullah Shafique’s unbeaten 160 helping level that series 1-1 and end an eight match losing run on the road.
| Side | Recent form |
|---|---|
| Pakistan | Won last Test (vs West Indies), series drawn 1-1 |
| PCC Select XI | Last tour match drawn |
(Source: ESPNcricinfo)
That win gave Babar Azam a strong start to his second stint as captain, but the batting order still has questions to answer against the moving ball in English conditions. This warm up against genuine county seamers is the closest thing to a dress rehearsal before the series opener.
The PCC Select XI, a composite side assembled for these fixtures, doesn’t carry a long form record, and with several players fresh off county duty, expect sharp bowling rather than a settled combination.
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Live Streaming and TV Coverage
There’s no national TV deal for this warm up fixture. Kent Cricket’s match centre will carry ball by ball scoring, with clips on the club’s YouTube and social channels, and ESPNcricinfo offering free live updates for those away from Beckenham.
The Test series that follows is easier to catch, starting on 19 August 2026.
- UK viewers can follow it live on Sky Sports Cricket.
- US audiences have access through Willow Sports and Prime Video.
- Fans elsewhere should check local terrestrial or digital sports broadcasters, since rights holders vary by region.
(Source: Kent Cricket, ESPNcricinfo, Sky Sports)
Tickets and Ground Details for The County Ground, Beckenham
Tickets for all three days are on sale now through the official Kent Cricket ticketing site. A few things worth knowing before you book.
- Seating is unallocated, so you can pick your own spot around the ground, including the Main Stand.
- This fixture isn’t covered by 2026 memberships, life memberships or existing passes.
- Kent members can still get a 50 percent discount on match tickets by logging into their Kent Cricket ticketing account before purchasing.
- Prices rise at 11:59pm the night before each matchday, so booking early is the cheaper option.
The County Ground itself is a compact, traditional club ground in south east London, easily reached from central London by train, and it’s hosted Pakistan touring sides before, including last year’s warm up against the Shaheens.
(Source: Kent Cricket)
Related Reads
Pakistan Aim to Carry West Indies Momentum Into England Series
Pakistan head into this Beckenham warm up on the back of a rare overseas Test win, and Babar Azam will want his top order batting time in English conditions before the real business starts. Shan Masood’s fitness and Emilio Gay’s shoulder are the two subplots worth tracking across the three days.
Whatever happens on the scoreboard, this match is really about preparation, and Cricket Insider UK will bring you full coverage as the squads and playing elevens are confirmed closer to the start.
