Introduction
Pakistan has announced its 17-player squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The most notable change is the promotion of Saud Shakeel to the role of vice-captain. This decision comes as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) aims to manage the workload of their star players, with a busy schedule ahead. Let’s explore the key changes and what they mean for the team.
Saud Shakeel’s Promotion
The Pakistan Cricket Board has promoted Saud Shakeel to vice-captain, replacing Shaheen Afridi. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage Afridi’s workload. With Pakistan set to play nine Tests, 14 T20Is, and at least 17 ODIs before April next year, the selectors believe Afridi needs rest to maintain his performance levels. Shakeel’s promotion is a significant step, reflecting the confidence the team management has in his leadership abilities.
New Leadership Duo
Shakeel will partner with skipper Shan Masood in leading the team. This new leadership duo is expected to bring fresh energy and strategies to the squad. Masood and Shakeel’s collaboration will be crucial as Pakistan aims to perform well in the ICC World Test Championship.
Squad Changes
The squad announcement by head coach Jason Gillespie includes several changes. Opener Imam-ul-Haq has been dropped from the squad entirely. Injuries have ruled out Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim Jr. Additionally, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan are notable absentees.
New Faces and Recalls
Pakistan Cricket Board has recalled pace duo Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali, who have been absent from Test cricket for a while. Batters Mohammad Huraira and Kamran Ghulam have received call-ups for potential Test debuts following their impressive performances in domestic cricket. These changes indicate a blend of experience and fresh talent, aimed at strengthening the team.
Continuity and Fresh Talent
Out of the 17 players selected, 13 were part of Pakistan’s recent Test series in Australia. This continuity will help maintain team cohesion and performance levels. Huraira, Ghulam, Ali, and Naseem are the new additions for the series against Bangladesh, bringing fresh energy and talent to the squad.
Series Schedule
The Test series against Bangladesh is set to begin in Rawalpindi on August 21, with the second Test scheduled for Karachi on August 30. This series is crucial for Pakistan, currently sitting in fifth place on the ICC World Test Championship standings. Positive results against Bangladesh will help them stay in contention for the championship.
Pakistan’s Squad for Bangladesh Series
Here is the full squad for the series:
- Shan Masood (c)
- Saud Shakeel (vc)
- Aamir Jamal (subject to fitness)
- Abdullah Shafique
- Abrar Ahmed
- Babar Azam
- Kamran Ghulam
- Khurram Shahzad
- Mir Hamza
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Huraira
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Naseem Shah
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Ali Agha
- Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk)
- Shaheen Afridi
Conclusion
The promotion of Saud Shakeel to vice-captain and the introduction of new faces to the squad signal Pakistan’s strategic approach to the upcoming series against Bangladesh. With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, Pakistan aims to perform well and climb the ICC World Test Championship standings. Fans and experts will be keenly watching how the new leadership duo and the revamped squad fare in this important series. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
