Pakistan has elevated Saud Shakeel to the role of vice-captain as they unveil their squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against Bangladesh.
Shakeel will be stepping into the crucial role previously held by Shaheen Afridi. The decision to promote Shakeel is part of a broader strategy to manage Afridi’s workload effectively over the next few months, as Pakistan is set to compete in a packed schedule that includes nine Test matches, 14 T20Is, and at least 17 ODIs before April next year.
Shakeel’s promotion alongside captain Shan Masood represents one of the key changes in the squad’s leadership structure. This move is particularly noteworthy as Pakistan embarks on its first Test series under the guidance of head coach Jason Gillespie. The new squad is a departure from previous selections, with several high-profile omissions and inclusions.
Regular opener Imam-ul-Haq has been dropped from the squad, signaling a shift in strategy. Injuries have also played a role in shaping the squad, with Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim Jnr not included due to their fitness concerns.
The absence of other notable players such as Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan highlights a period of transition for the team.
In an effort to infuse new talent into the squad, Pakistan has recalled fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali, both of whom have been absent from Test cricket for an extended period. Their return is expected to bolster the pace attack significantly.
Additionally, batters Mohammad Huraira and Kamran Ghulam have been called up, with both players set to make potential Test debuts following impressive performances in domestic cricket.
The squad announcement features 13 players who were part of Pakistan’s recent Test series in Australia, indicating a continuity in core group members while integrating fresh talent. Huraira, Ghulam, Ali, and Naseem are the new faces added for the two-match series against Bangladesh.
The first Test of the series will commence in Rawalpindi on August 21, with the second Test scheduled to take place in Karachi from August 30.
As Pakistan currently sits in fifth place on the ICC World Test Championship standings, the team is keenly eyeing positive results from these matches to maintain their competitive edge and push for a higher position in the league.
Pakistan squad: 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
Series Schedule:
First Test: Rawalpindi, August 21-25
Second Test: Karachi, August 30 – September 3
