The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the 17-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship matches against Bangladesh. Highlighting the squad, Saud Shakeel has been named as the new vice-captain, recognizing his impressive domestic performances. The squad also welcomes Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Ali, and Mohammad Huraira, who have been rewarded for their consistent displays in domestic cricket.
Bangladesh is set to arrive in Islamabad on 17 August for the Test series, with matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and Karachi from 21 August to 3 September.
PAKISTAN SQUAD (ICC World Test Championship vs Bangladesh)
- 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)
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
The Test squad will be led by Shan Masood, with Saud Shakeel taking over the vice-captaincy from Shaheen Shah Afridi. This strategic move aims to manage Afridi’s workload, considering Pakistan’s packed schedule from August 2024 to April 2025, which includes nine Tests, 14 T20Is, and at least 17 ODIs.
The training camp for the Test squad will begin at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 11 August, overseen by head coach Jason Gillespie and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. The Bangladesh team is scheduled to train the same afternoon they arrive in Islamabad.
Notably, 13 players from the last series against Australia in December/January 2023-24 have retained their spots. Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Ali, and Mohammad Huraira have been recognized for their stellar domestic performances and contributions to Pakistan Shaheens. Naseem Shah returns to the red-ball squad after a 13-month hiatus.
Kamran Ghulam:
- Scored 1,025 runs in 11 first-class matches in the 2023-24 season.
- Made 148 runs in three innings against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin last month, including a century.
Mohammad Ali:
- Took 24 wickets in six first-class matches in the 2022-23 season.
- Claimed 47 wickets in 14 first-class matches in the 2023-24 season.
- Impressed with nine wickets in two four-day matches against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin.
Mohammad Huraira:
- Scored a double-century against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin.
- Consistent performer in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and first-class seasons.
Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali (injured), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr (injured), Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan were not retained in the Test squad due to various reasons.
Pakistan Shaheens Squad for First Four-Day Match Against Bangladesh ‘A’
PAKISTAN SHAHEENS SQUAD:
- Saud Shakeel (captain)
- 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
Player support personnel include:
- Umar Gul (head coach-cum-manager)
- Ghulam Ali (batting coach)
- Fahad Masood (fielding coach)
- Dr Imtiaz Khan (physiotherapist)
- Faisal Rai (analyst)
- Yasir Malik (trainer)
The Pakistan Shaheens squad, led by Saud Shakeel, includes eight Test probables and will commence training at the Islamabad Club under the guidance of head coach Umar Gul. Jason Gillespie and Azhar Mahmood will assist before shifting their focus to the national team’s camp.
The PCB is coordinating with the Bangladesh Cricket Board to finalize the revised schedule for the Pakistan Shaheens versus Bangladesh ‘A’ series.
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