According to sources, Pakistan is scheduled to host Bangladesh in August for a two-Test series. Captain Shan Masood, head coach Jason Gillespie, and the selection committee have already started discussing the roster for the series.
Pakistan to rest key players for Bangladesh Test series
Nevertheless, certain crucial players may be absent from the series. Since the 2019-2020 season, this will mark the country’s first time hosting Bangladesh. Additionally, the series will be included in the ICC World Test Championship from 2023 to 2025.
The Test matches against Bangladesh are expected to see the rest of the current white-ball skipper Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, while the inclusion of Haris Rauf in the squad is not being contemplated.
Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Ali Agha, and former captain and wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed are under consideration for the final team roster.
Regarding the fast bowling department, Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Mir Hamza, Khurram Shahzad, and Aamir Jamal are being considered for selection.
Gillespie will be taking on his inaugural role as head coach of the Pakistan Test team, following his appointment in April. Meanwhile, Masood will be embarking on his second duty as head coach, having been appointed last year. He initially captained the team in a three-Test series against Australia, in which Pakistan suffered a 3-0 defeat on Australian soil.
Masood now serves as the representative and captain of the Yorkshire County Cricket Club in the County Championship.
Pakistan was eliminated from the present T20 World Cup during the preliminary group round, while Bangladesh has advanced to the Super 8.
