BECKENHAM, England: Amid the intense preparations for a crucial Test series against England, Pakistan’s cricket squad took a poignant pause on Friday to celebrate the country’s 79th Independence Day, infusing their English base with a wave of national pride and unity.
Pakistan Independence Day celebrations in Beckenham 🇵🇰🤩
Pakistan Test squad mark 14th August ahead of Day 2 of the three-day warm-up match, with players sharing special messages for the nation 💚#IndependenceDay | #ENGvPAK | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/ycOSASjsAu
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 14, 2026
The touring party gathered at their Kent facility ahead of the second day of their three-day warm-up match, transforming a routine training day into a heartfelt patriotic ceremony.
Dressed in their iconic green training kits, the players assembled indoors as a senior official addressed the squad, delivering powerful messages about the significance of 14 August 1947.
A celebratory cake stood as the centrepiece of the gathering, symbolising the sweet spirit of freedom that the nation cherishes.
In a touching display of national fervour, the players stepped outside the Kent County Cricket Ground to record individual video messages, extending warm Independence Day greetings to millions of fans back home.
Captain Babar Azam led the tributes, alongside senior team members, with the Pakistan Cricket Board later sharing these emotional videos across their social media platforms, a move that quickly resonated with passionate supporters.
Historic pursuit
The celebrations came as Pakistan continued their build-up for the three-match ICC World Test Championship series against England, scheduled from August 19 to September 13.
On the opening day of their warm-up fixture against the Professional County Club Select XI on Thursday, the hosts were dismissed for 305 at the Kent County Cricket Ground. Pakistan responded positively, with openers Imam-ul-Haq (26) and Azan Awais (15) steering the innings to 44 without loss at stumps, trailing by 261 runs.
Pakistan squad for England test series
Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Abdullah Shafique, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel* (subject to fitness), Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah.
