The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a 17-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh. The squad, led by Shan Masood with Saud Shakeel as vice-captain, will take on Bangladesh in two Tests scheduled for August 2024.
Match Schedule
- First Test: 21-25 August at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- Second Test: 30 August-3 September at National Stadium, Karachi
The Pakistan Test side’s training camp will commence on 11 August at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, under the supervision of red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. Bangladesh’s cricket team is expected to arrive in Islamabad on 17 August, with their first training session scheduled for the same afternoon.
Pakistan Test Squad
- Captain: Shan Masood
- Vice-Captain: Saud Shakeel
- Players: 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), Shaheen Shah Afridi
This squad selection reflects strategic decisions aimed at managing key players’ workloads during a busy season. The selectors have included a mix of seasoned campaigners and fresh talent. The decision to appoint Saud Shakeel as vice-captain, replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi, aligns with the need to manage Shaheen’s workload.
Of the 17 players selected, 13 were part of the squad that faced Australia in the 2023-24 series. Notably, Mohammad Huraira, Kamran Ghulam, and Mohammad Ali have been recognized for their exceptional performances in domestic cricket and for Pakistan Shaheens. Naseem Shah also makes his return to the red-ball side after a 13-month absence.
New Inclusions
- Kamran Ghulam: Kamran has been in prolific form, scoring 1,025 runs in the 2023-24 first-class season and contributing significantly against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin last month.
- Mohammad Ali: A standout in the domestic circuit, Ali took 24 wickets in the 2022-23 season and 47 wickets in the 2023-24 season. His performances in the four-day matches against Bangladesh ‘A’ further cemented his place in the squad.
- Mohammad Huraira: Huraira’s impressive form includes a double-century against Bangladesh ‘A’ and a remarkable run in domestic cricket over the past two seasons.
Omissions
Several players from the previous squad have been omitted, including Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali (injured), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr (injured), Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan. Their performances in recent series did not meet the selectors’ expectations, leading to these changes.
Pakistan Shaheens Squad
Alongside the national team, the Pakistan Shaheens will also be in action against Bangladesh ‘A’. Saud Shakeel will lead the Shaheens in their first four-day match, with a squad that includes several members of the Test team.
- Captain: Saud Shakeel
- Players: Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saad Khan, Saim Ayub, Sameen Gul, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), Umar Amin
The Shaheens will begin their training session on 7 August at the Islamabad Club under the guidance of head coach Umar Gul, with assistance from Jason Gillespie and Azhar Mahmood. The eight Test probables will join the national side after the four-day match, with their replacements to be announced later.
The PCB is in discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board to finalize the revised schedule for the Pakistan Shaheens vs. Bangladesh ‘A’ series, which is expected to be announced soon.
The upcoming Test series against Bangladesh marks the beginning of an intense cricketing season for Pakistan. The squad is a blend of experience and emerging talent, ready to take on the challenges of the ICC World Test Championship. With strategic player management and a focus on building depth in the squad, Pakistan aims to make a strong start in the 2024-25 season.
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