Pakistan announces its Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, featuring key changes and new additions. © Twitter (@shahfaisalcric1)
Pakistan has announced a 17-member Test squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh. This series will be Pakistan’s first Test assignment since their recent loss in Australia.
Fast bowler Naseem Shah returns to the Test side after a year-long absence due to injury. His inclusion is highly anticipated as he is expected to reinforce Pakistan’s pace attack. Saud Shakeel has been promoted to vice-captain, supporting Shan Masood, who continues as captain. Given the busy cricket calendar, this change is part of a strategy to manage Shaheen Shah Afridi’s workload.
The squad features several new faces. Kamran Ghulam, a top-order batsman, has earned his place following a stellar domestic season. Mohammad Ali returns to the Test side after solid performances in domestic cricket and with the Pakistan Shaheens. Muhammad Hurraira, who has shown exceptional form recently, is expected to open the batting.
Pakistan Test Squad for Bangladesh Series
| Player Name | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shan Masood | Captain | Opening batsman |
| Saud Shakeel | Vice-Captain | Batsman |
| Aamer Jamal | Allrounder | Subject to fitness |
| Abdullah Shafique | Batsman | Expected to open the innings |
| Abrar Ahmed | Spinner | Only specialist spinner in the squad |
| Babar Azam | Batsman | Top-order batsman |
| Kamran Ghulam | Batsman | Strong domestic performances |
| Khurram Shahzad | Fast Bowler | |
| Mir Hamza | Fast Bowler | |
| Mohammad Ali | Fast Bowler | Returning after strong domestic season |
| Muhammad Hurraira | Batsman | Expected to open alongside Abdullah Shafique |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Wicketkeeper | |
| Naseem Shah | Fast Bowler | Returning after over a year out |
| Saim Ayub | Batsman | |
| Agha Salman | Allrounder | |
| Sarfaraz Ahmed | Wicketkeeper | |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Fast Bowler |
The whole squad includes Shan Masood as captain and Saud Shakeel as vice-captain, alongside fast bowlers Aamer Jamal (subject to fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. The batters are Babar Azam, Muhammad Hurraira, Saim Ayub, and Agha Salman, with Mohammad Rizwan and Sarfaraz Ahmed as wicketkeepers.
Notable absences from the squad include Imam-ul-Haq, who was dropped after being a regular fixture in Test XI. Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz also miss out, with Aamer Jamal expected to take on the allrounder role. Noman Ali and Sajid Khan are dropped, signaling a strategy shift to include only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed.
The series will begin with the first Test from August 21 to 25, 2024, in Rawalpindi, followed by the second Test from August 30 to September 3, 2024, in Karachi. The squad will start preparations with a training camp in Rawalpindi on August 11.
