As the clock ticks to the highly anticipated series against Bangladesh, the Pakistan cricket fraternity is abuzz with excitement and anticipation. Pakistan’s probable squad is not going to be of any huge surprise with little to no changes in the squad of the last series.
This series will be Jason Gillespie’s first assignment as head coach of the Pakistan Test team after his appointment in April and Shan Masood’s second assignment after being named captain last year. He first led the side against Australia in a three-Test series which Pakistan lost 3-0 in Australia.
Shaheen Afridi Dropped, Shan Masood To Lead; Pakistan’s Probable Squad For Bangladesh Tests
Pakistan’s probable squad if Babar and Rizwan will be rested (though chances are low to none) is going to be quite young in the series against Bangladesh.
As per emerging reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board will likely take a bold step and drop Shaheen from the men’s squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Shaheen confirmed his availability for the series against tigers as he is not in the mood to take rest. Also, the Head coach Gary Kirsten and his deputy Azhar Mahmood accused the seamer of lobbying and misbehaving with batting coach Mohammad Yousuf for which he has apologized.
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Pakistan’s probable squad after Shaheen being rested
If Shaheen is dropped, Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza could lead Pakistan’s pace attack alongside Naseem Shah and the experienced Hasan Ali.
With Faheem Ashraf currently sidelined, Pakistan may opt for Aamer Jamal as their preferred seam bowling all-rounder, given his impressive batting performances in the recent Test series in Australia.
The batting line-up is expected to be spearheaded by Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, and Babar Azam, with skipper Shan Masood leading the charge. Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman are also set to play crucial roles in the middle order, providing stability and depth to the team’s batting arsenal.
Additionally, Sahibzada Farhan’s outstanding form in the domestic circuit may earn him a national team call-up. With an impressive record of 4401 runs at an average of 44.90 in 58 First-Class matches, Farhan has made a strong case for his inclusion.
Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed is poised to lead Pakistan’s spin attack, with either Noman Ali or Sajid Khan likely to support him as his deputy. This selection would add depth and variety to the team’s bowling lineup.
Pakistan’s probable 15-player squad: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali/Sajid Khan
Pakistan to take on Bangladesh in late August
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday confirmed the schedule for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh next month.
Schedule for Bangladesh tour of Pakistan 2024-25
21-25 Aug – First Test, Rawalpindi
30 Aug-3 Sep – Second Test, Karachi
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