The Pakistan National Cricket Team is preparing to face Bangladesh in a two-match Test series scheduled for August. According to reports from Cricket Pakistan, significant changes are expected in the squad under the leadership of Shan Masood.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised to announce the revamped squad soon, following consultations with head coach Jason Gillespie. Currently, Gillespie is with the Pakistan Shaheens in Darwin, where they are competing against Bangladesh A. He will return to Pakistan after the second four-day match, at which point discussions about the Test squad will intensify.
Sources indicate that several key players may be dropped due to poor form and fitness issues. Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Saim Ayub, and Nauman Ali are among those likely to be excluded from the team for the upcoming series. In contrast, young talents Mohammad Huraira and Sahibzada Farhan are expected to be included. Additionally, senior opener Imam-Ul-Haq’s place is under scrutiny due to recent performances.
The selection panel will also deliberate on the inclusion of Aamer Jamal and Hasan Ali. Both bowlers have been struggling with injuries, and their final inclusion will depend on fitness assessments.
In preparation for the Test series, Pakistan will conduct a training camp in the second week of August. This will mark the return of Test cricket to Pakistan since January, when Australia last toured.
As the new Test captain, Shan Masood is eager to make a positive impact. He is determined to lift the team’s spirits after a challenging period, including a disappointing early exit from the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Masood’s first stint as captain was against Australia, where Pakistan suffered a 3-0 defeat. With the series being played at home, he will have a prime opportunity to secure his first Test win as captain.
Schedule of Pakistan vs Bangladesh Test
Here’s the Schedule of the Pakistan vs Bangladesh Test
- 21-25 Aug – First Test, Rawalpindi
- 30 Aug -3 Sep – Second Test, Karachi
