Pakistan’s cricket team is gearing up for an exciting home series against Bangladesh, and there’s plenty of buzz around the squad announcements. One of the biggest headlines is the return of fast bowler Naseem Shah, who has been out of the Test side for over a year.
Additionally, Saud Shakeel has been promoted to the role of vice-captain, a move that underscores the selectors’ trust in his leadership abilities. These changes come as Pakistan aims to bounce back after a challenging series in Australia earlier this year.
Naseem Shah’s Highly Anticipated Comeback
The return of Naseem Shah to the Test squad is a substantial improvement in the bowling capabilities of Pakistan. The young fast bowler last played a Test match in July 2023, where he delivered a match-winning performance with six wickets in a single innings in Colombo. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury during the Asia Cup sidelined him for several months, causing him to miss key events, including the ODI World Cup in India and the tour to Australia.
Since recovering, Naseem has been actively involved in white-ball cricket, honing his skills and regaining match fitness. Now, with his return to the Test squad, fans and selectors alike are eager to see him back in action.
Pakistan’s new red-ball head coach, Jason Gillespie, is particularly excited about the prospect of Naseem partnering with Shaheen Shah Afridi again, creating a formidable pace duo that could pose a significant challenge to any batting lineup.
Saud Shakeel’s Strategic Promotion to Vice-Captain
Saud Shakeel’s promotion to vice-captain is a strategic move by the selectors, reflecting their long-term vision for Pakistan’s leadership structure. With Shaheen Shah Afridi’s workload needing careful management, especially with a packed schedule ahead, Shakeel’s leadership skills will be crucial.
The upcoming season is one of the busiest Pakistan has faced in recent years, with nine Tests, 14 T20Is, and 17 ODIs scheduled between the end of August and the start of April next year. Shakeel’s steady rise in Pakistan’s cricket setup is a testament to his consistent performances and calm demeanor under pressure. As he steps into this new leadership role, much will be expected from him, not just in terms of his batting but also in guiding the team alongside captain Shan Masood.
Introducing the New Faces in the Squad
The squad for the Bangladesh series also features some fresh faces who have earned their spots through consistent performances in domestic cricket. Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Ali, and Muhammad Huraira are among the players who have been called up, and each brings something unique to the table.
- Kamran Ghulam: Ghulam has been on the selectors’ radar for a while, and his recent form has made a strong case for his inclusion. In the 2023-24 domestic season, he amassed over 1,000 runs in 11 first-class matches, showcasing his ability to anchor innings. His impressive performance against Bangladesh A in Darwin, where he scored an unbeaten century, further solidified his place in the squad.
- Mohammad Ali: A quick bowler renowned for his ability to take wickets, makes a triumphant return to the Test squad. His return comes after his impressive debut against England in December 2022. His recent exploits in domestic cricket, including a standout performance for Pakistan Shaheens against Bangladesh A, where he took nine wickets in two matches, have earned him another opportunity at the highest level.
- Muhammad Huraira: At just 22 years old, Huraira is expected to open the innings alongside Abdullah Shafique. He has been in phenomenal form, including a double century against Bangladesh A. With an average of over 56 in first-class cricket and nearly 2,000 runs in the last two seasons, Huraira’s inclusion adds depth to Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Pakistan’s Test Squad for the Series Against Bangladesh (ICC World Test Championship)
Here is the complete squad for the upcoming Test series against 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
- Muhammad Huraira
- Mohammad Rizwan (Wicket-Keeper)
- Naseem Shah
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Ali Agha
- Sarfaraz Ahmed (Wicket-Keeper)
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
Squad Analysis and Strategic Changes
This squad is notably different from the one that toured Australia, with seven changes in total. One of the most significant omissions is Imam-ul-Haq, who has been a regular in Pakistan’s Test XI since 2022.
His place was taken by Saim Ayub in the final Test in Sydney, and Imam now finds himself out of the squad entirely. The absence of all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz also stands out, with Aamer Jamal, subject to fitness, expected to fill that role.
The selectors have opted for a more pace-heavy attack, dropping spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, leaving Abrar Ahmed as the sole specialist spinner. This move signals Pakistan’s intention to leverage its fast-bowling strength, especially with the return of Naseem Shah.
Pakistan Shaheens and Revised Dates
Alongside the Test squad, the Pakistan Shaheen squad has also been named for their series against Bangladesh A. Saud Shakeel will lead the Shaheens in the first four-day game, with a squad that includes several Test probables. The matches were initially delayed due to political unrest in Bangladesh, but the revised dates now see the series kicking off on August 13.
The Shaheens’ series will serve as a crucial opportunity for the players to impress before potentially joining the main Test squad. After the first four-day game, the Test probables will transition to the main squad, with their replacements named for the remaining matches.
Conclusion and Call to Action
As Pakistan prepares for a busy season, the return of key players like Naseem Shah and the rise of new talent in the squad offers plenty of reasons for fans to be optimistic. The upcoming Test series against Bangladesh will not only be a test of skill but also a chance for this new-look team to gel and build momentum for the challenges ahead.
What do you think about the squad selections? Will Naseem Shah make an impact in his return? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on Pakistan cricket!
Q: Why was Imam-ul-Haq dropped from the squad?
A: Imam-ul-Haq was dropped following his omission from the final Test in Australia, where Saim Ayub replaced him. The selectors have opted for a different combination in the upcoming series against Bangladesh.
Q: What is the significance of Saud Shakeel being named vice-captain?
A: Saud Shakeel’s appointment as vice-captain is part of the strategy to manage Shaheen Shah Afridi’s workload, given the busy season ahead. Shakeel’s leadership skills and consistent performance have earned him this responsibility.
Q: When will the Test series against Bangladesh take place?
A: The first Test will be held from August 21 to 25 in Rawalpindi, and the second from August 30 to September 3 in Karachi.
