The unrest in Bangladesh that led to the overthrow of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has severely impacted the country’s cricket preparations. The foreign coaches have been advised to stay indoors, adhering to safety directives from their embassies, while widespread protests have prevented the team from holding practice sessions.
The situation has also caused uncertainty within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) following the departure of President Nazmul Hassan, who fled the country due to his ties with Hasina. Despite the turmoil, ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, a former member of the now-dissolved parliament for Hasina’s party, is allowed to participate in the Pakistan series by the interim government.
Due to the unrest, the Bangladesh team struggled to practice, with spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed noting, “Because of the situation, it was not possible to practice.” The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has offered some relief by inviting the team to arrive four days early to compensate for their lack of preparation.
A second-string Bangladesh team, including six national team players, had already been playing practice games in Islamabad since August 10. However, Bangladesh’s woes continued with in-form opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy ruled out of the first Test due to a groin strain, although senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim is expected to recover from a finger injury in time for the match.
On August 19, the PCB announced the release of fast-bowler Aamir Jamal from the Test squad, advising him to focus on fitness at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Jamal is recovering from a back injury sustained during county cricket.
Aamir Jamal released from Test squad
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/uSrWIqmCmx#PAKvBAN
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) August 19, 2024
Bangladesh will look to improve their record against Pakistan, having lost 12 of the 13 Tests played between the two teams, with just one match drawn. The two-match Test series, part of the World Test Championship’s third cycle, sees Pakistan currently sixth in the standings and Bangladesh eighth. The second Test, scheduled for August 30, will be held in Rawalpindi due to ongoing construction work at the Karachi stadium and will be played without spectators to ensure safety.
Pakistan, following a 3-0 defeat in Australia earlier this year, has appointed former Australian paceman Jason Gillespie as Test coach and Adelaide groundsman Damien Hough to enhance pitch conditions. Pakistan will enter the Test with an all-pace attack, having released their only spinner, Abrar Ahmed. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will rely on their spin department, with Shakib Al Hasan, Taijul Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz all included in the squad.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood dismissed concerns about Bangladesh being under-prepared, stating, “You expect all international Test sides to come into a series well prepared and trying to play their best cricket.” He added, “Bangladesh is a side that has quality players in all departments and we highly respect the challenges they bring as a side to us.”
Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Hurraira, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi
Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed