The Indian cricket team are scheduled to travel to England later in the year to play the remaining Test match between the two countries, as well as three ODIs and T20Is. Before their contest, team India will play two practice T20 matches against Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire on July 1 and 3 respectively, and a former Pakistan batter is slated to face the team.
Derbyshire released a statement highlighting two players who have represented their national sides - Pakistan's opening batter Shan Masood and former Sri Lankan fast bowler Suranga Lakmal.
"India will travel to The Incora County Ground to face Derbyshire in a Twenty20 Tour Fixture on Friday 1 July," Derbyshire shared in a press release. "The number-one ranked T20 side in the world will continue their ICC Twenty20 World Cup preparations against a Derbyshire side, which includes the likes of Pakistan international, Shan Masood, and former Sri Lanka fast bowler, Suranga Lakmal."
India vs Pakistan last encounter
The last time Pakistan and India played a Test match was in December 2007. The arch-rivals have not faced each other in the Test format because of the political tension between the two countries. However, they have played against each other in ICC events. A Test match between the two is possible only if they reach the World Test Championships (WTC) finals.
Masood's recent performances and availability
Domestically, Masood most recently turned out for Multan Sultans, scoring 478 runs at an average of 38.83 and a strike rate of 138.15. He made his debut for Derbyshire in England just last week, playing under former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur. Masood has already hit some important knocks, notching 91 and 62 against Middlesex at the Lord’s in a County Championship Division Two match.
Masood should be available for the warm-up clash as Pakistan are not scheduled for any international matches during the same time frame. At the end of the month, Babar Azam's Pakistan will play the Netherlands in an ODI series before flying to Sri Lanka for three ODIs and two Test matches.
32-year-old Masood last played for Pakistan in the Test match against New Zealand back in January 2021. His last ODI appearance came in March 2019. The left-handed batter has four centuries in Test cricket for Pakistan and has scored 1378 runs for his national team.
Lakmal's retirement
Meanwhile, Lakmal recently played his last Test for the Lankans against India, ending a career spanning over 12 years. He went on to pick up 171 wickets for Sri Lanka in Test cricket. In his previous match for Derbyshire, the 35-year-old had figures of 2/100 and 0/62 across both innings.
