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Pakistan is set to host Bangladesh for a Test series starting August 21. On Wednesday, August 7, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 17-member squad for the series, with Shan Masood appointed as captain. Saud Shakeel will serve as Masood’s deputy, while Sarfaraz Ahmed and Mohammad Rizwan are named as the two wicketkeeping options.
The series will kick off with the first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with the second and final match taking place at the National Stadium in Karachi starting August 30. This series is part of the World Test Championship Cycle 2023-25.
Regarding the squad, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi are key members of the pace attack for the upcoming Tests. The PCB announcement highlighted that the choice to appoint Saud Shakeel as vice-captain, instead of Shaheen, was a strategic move.
While the hosts have finalized their squad for the series, there is uncertainty regarding the visitors’ travel to Pakistan due to the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh, which led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fleeing the country. Clarity on the situation is expected in the coming days, but for now, there is a strong possibility that the tour may be rescheduled, potentially affecting venues or dates.
Pakistan 17-member for two Tests vs Bangladesh 2024:
Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Shaheen Shah Afridi
Pakistan vs Bangladesh 2024 Schedule:
– 1st Test: August 21-25 at Rawalpindi
– 2nd Test: August 30-September 3 at Karachi
