The Pakistan Shaheens are set to take on Bangladesh ‘A’ in a highly anticipated first four-day match at the Islamabad Club from August 13 to 16. The second match will follow at the same venue from August 20 to 23. Both teams recently faced off in a two-match series in Darwin, Australia, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Both squads have been strengthened with players who are also in contention for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and Karachi on August 21-25 and August 30-September 3, respectively. This series is especially significant as it serves as preparation for both teams, given that neither has played a Test match since earlier this year—Pakistan last faced Australia in Sydney in January, while Bangladesh played against Sri Lanka at home in March.
Pakistan Shaheens, led by Saud Shakeel, who was recently appointed as Pakistan’s Test vice-captain, boasts a strong lineup including Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Sarfaraz Ahmed. Bangladesh ‘A’ also features key players like Hasan Mahmud, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nayeem Hasan, and Zakir Hasan, who will join their Test squad after the four-day series.
Saud Shakeel, an experienced leader who has captained the Shaheens in previous series, expressed his enthusiasm for leading the team again, highlighting the importance of these matches for players who haven’t had recent red-ball action. Bangladesh ‘A’ will be captained by Anamul Haque, a seasoned player with 74 international appearances. Haque shared his excitement about facing a strong Pakistan Shaheens side and acknowledged the competitive nature of the series, especially with the experienced players involved.
The Pakistan Shaheens have a solid track record in four-day matches over the past three years, winning three, losing one, and drawing two. The team began preparations for this series on August 7 under the guidance of head coach Umar Gul. Bangladesh ‘A’ arrived in Islamabad on August 10, ready to face the challenge.
Sameen Gul has been withdrawn from the Shaheens squad as a precautionary measure, with a replacement to be announced later.
Pakistan Shaheens Squad (for the first four-day match):
- Saud Shakeel (captain)
- Kamran Ghulam
- Mehran Mumtaz
- Mir Hamza
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Rameez Jnr
- Mohammad Huraira
- Naseem Shah
- Saad Baig (wicket-keeper)
- Saad Khan
- Saim Ayub
- Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper)
- Umar Amin
Bangladesh ‘A’ Squad (for the first four-day match):
- Anamul Haque (captain)
- Hasan Mahmud
- Hasan Murad
- Mahidul Islam Ankon
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy
- Mominul Haque
- Mosaddek Hossain Saikat
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Nayeem Hasan
- Rejaur Rahman Raja
- Ruyel Miah
- Sahadat Hossain
- Tanvir Islam
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Zakir Hasan
Match Officials:
- Faisal Aafreedi and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires)
- Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire)
- Nadeem Arshad (match referee)