In preparations for Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh scheduled for August, significant deliberations have commenced among key stakeholders. Captain Shan Masood, newly appointed head coach Jason Gillespie, and the national selection committee are actively discussing the composition of the squad, aiming to field a competitive team in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025.
Sources close to the team indicate that several prominent players are likely to be rested for the series. This includes white-ball captain Babar Azam, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi. Notably, Haris Rauf has been omitted from consideration for this series.
In their place, emerging talents like Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Ali Agha, and the experienced Sarfaraz Ahmed are being strongly considered. The selection committee is carefully evaluating options for the fast-bowling department as well, with Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Mir Hamza, Khurram Shahzad, and Aamir Jamal under review for possible inclusion.
This series holds particular significance as it marks Jason Gillespie’s inaugural assignment as head coach and Shan Masood’s second series at the helm as captain. Expectations are high as Pakistan aims to start their campaign in the World Test Championship on a positive note against Bangladesh.
Stay tuned for further updates as the final squad selection approaches, promising an exciting lineup for the upcoming test matches.
