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Pakistan has unveiled a formidable 17-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The series, scheduled to be played in August, is a crucial part of the World Test Championship cycle.
A significant development in the squad announcement is the appointment of Saud Shakeel as the new vice-captain. The left-handed batter has been rewarded for his consistent performances and will deputize for captain Shan Masood.
The squad also features three uncapped players: Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Ali, and Mohammad Huraira, who have earned their call-ups based on impressive domestic performances.
Key inclusions and exclusions:
- Pace bowling: Mir Hamza, who was instrumental in the series against Australia, will lead the pace attack alongside Khurram Shahzad, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi.
- Spin bowling: Abrar Ahmed is the lone specialist spinner in the squad.
- Batting: The squad boasts a strong batting lineup with the likes of Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Saim Ayub. Sarfaraz Ahmed has been included as a reserve wicket-keeper.
- Notable omissions: Imam-ul-Haq, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan have been left out of the squad.
Pakistan will also be fielding a strong side for the four-day match against Bangladesh A, with several Test players included in the squad. Saud Shakeel will captain the Pakistan Shaheens for this match.
The series promises to be a competitive one, with both teams eager to secure a victory.
Pakistan’s Test squad for Bangladesh series
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
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