Pakistan squad for Bangladesh Tests announced 2024 for ICC World Test Championship matches against Bangladesh. Led by captain Shan Masood and new vice-captain Saud Shakeel, the team features a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent. Key inclusions like Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Ali, and Mohammad Huraira highlight the squad’s strength. The two-match Test series will be held in Rawalpindi and Karachi from August 21 to September 3, promising thrilling action as Pakistan aims to enhance its standings in the championship.
- Saud Shakeel named as new Test vice-captain; impressive domestic performances earn Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Huraira call-ups in 17-member squad
- Bangladesh due to arrive in Islamabad on 17 August for the ICC World Test Championships matches in Rawalpindi and Karachi from 21 August to 3 September
- Selectors also confirm Pakistan Shaheens squad for first four-day match against Bangladesh ‘A’; Saud to lead side that includes eight Test probables; details of revised series schedule to be shared in due course
Lahore, 7 August 2024: The Pakistan Cricket Board’s men’s national selection committee today announced a 17-member Pakistan squad for the ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh. The first Test will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 21-25 August, while the second Test will be held from 30 August-3 September in Karachi.
The Pakistan Test side’s training camp will commence at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 11 August and will be supervised by red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. The Bangladesh cricket team is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad in the wee hours of 17 August and expected to train in the same afternoon.
Pakistan squad for Bangladesh Tests announced 2024
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the Pakistan Test squad for the upcoming matches against Bangladesh, part of the ICC World Test Championship. The series will include two Test matches: the first at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from August 21-25, and the second at the National Stadium Karachi from August 30 to September 3.
Squad Announcement and Vice-Captain Change
Shan Masood has been named the captain of the 17-member squad, with Saud Shakeel appointed as the new vice-captain. Shakeel replaces Shaheen Shah Afridi as vice-captain as part of a strategy to manage Afridi’s workload, considering Pakistan’s upcoming busy schedule of nine Tests, 14 T20Is, and 17 ODIs.
New Call-Ups and Returning Players
The selectors have rewarded Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Ali, and Mohammad Huraira for their excellent performances in domestic cricket. Ghulam scored 1,025 runs in 11 matches in the 2023-24 season and made 148 runs, including an unbeaten century, against Bangladesh ‘A’ recently. Mohammad Ali, a fast bowler, is back after playing his last Test against England in 2022. He took 47 wickets in 14 matches in the 2023-24 season. Mohammad Huraira impressed with a double-century against Bangladesh ‘A’ and has consistently performed well in domestic cricket, scoring 961 runs in the last season.
Naseem Shah returns to the Test side after a break of over a year. The squad includes other regular players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Players Not Included
Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali (injured), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr (injured), Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan did not retain their spots in the squad. Imam scored 94 runs in the last series against Australia, while Faheem took one wicket in the Perth Test. Sajid, Nawaz, and Noman did not play in the recent series.
Training Camp and Coaching Staff
The Test squad will start training at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on August 11. The camp will be overseen by head coach Jason Gillespie and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. The Bangladesh team will arrive in Islamabad on August 17 and is expected to start their training the same day.
Pakistan Shaheens Squad for Four-Day Match
The selectors also announced the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the first four-day match against Bangladesh ‘A’. Saud Shakeel will lead the Shaheens squad, which includes eight Test probables. Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Sarfaraz Ahmed are part of this squad as well.
Training and Coaching for Shaheens
The Shaheens squad will begin training on Wednesday afternoon at the Islamabad Club, under the guidance of head coach Umar Gul. Other support staff includes Ghulam Ali as the batting coach, Fahad Masood as the fielding coach, and a team of specialists like a physiotherapist, analyst, and trainer. Jason Gillespie and Azhar Mahmood will assist Umar Gul during the training sessions before focusing on the national team camp starting August 11.
Revised Series Schedule
The PCB is in discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board to finalize the schedule for the Shaheens versus Bangladesh ‘A’ series. Details of the revised series schedule will be shared once finalized.
Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh Tests:
- Captain: Shan Masood
- Vice-Captain: Saud Shakeel
- Players: Aamir Jamal, 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
Pakistan Shaheens Squad for Four-Day Match:
- 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
This squad reflects the selectors’ efforts to balance experience with promising new talent, ensuring Pakistan is well-prepared for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.