Pakistan’s Test Squad for Bangladesh Series: Imam-ul-Haq Dropped, Shaheen Afridi Removed as Vice-Captain
Pakistan’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh has been announced, with Imam-ul-Haq being dropped and Shaheen Afridi being removed as vice-captain.
Imam-ul-Haq Dropped
Imam-ul-Haq, who has been a regular member of the Pakistan Test team since 2019, has been dropped from the squad for the Bangladesh series. The left-handed opener has struggled for form in recent months, averaging just 24.66 in his last 10 Test innings.
Shaheen Afridi Removed as Vice-Captain
Shaheen Afridi, who has been Pakistan’s vice-captain since 2021, has been removed from the role for the Bangladesh series. The decision is part of a broader strategy by the selectors to manage Afridi’s workload over a packed schedule till April next year.
Other Notable Inclusions and Exclusions
Fast bowler Naseem Shah returns to the Pakistan Test squad after a 13-month hiatus. Saud Shakeel has been appointed as the new vice-captain of Pakistan, replacing Shaheen Afridi. Other notable inclusions in the squad include pacer Aamer Jamal, batsman Kamran Ghulam, and fast bowler Mohammad Ali.
Notable exclusions from the Test team include Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan, while injuries have sidelined pacers Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim.
Pakistan Test Squad for Bangladesh Series
The Pakistan Test squad for the Bangladesh series is as follows:
- 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 Hurraira
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Naseem Shah
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Ali Agha
- Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk)
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
Pakistan Shaheens Squad for Bangladesh A Match
The Pakistan Shaheens squad for the four-day match against Bangladesh A is as follows:
- Saud Shakeel (c)
- Kamran Ghulam
- Mehran Mumtaz
- Mir Hamza
- Mohammad Ali
- Mohammad Rameez Jnr
- Mohammad Hurraira
- Naseem Shah
- Saad Baig (wk)
- Saad Khan
- Saim Ayub
- Sameen Gul
- Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk)
- Umar Amin