Pakistan Announces 17-Member Test Squad for Bangladesh; Shaheen Afridi Replaced as Vice-Captain
Pakistan Announces 17-Member Test Squad for Bangladesh; Shaheen Afridi Replaced as Vice-Captain: Pakistan on Wednesday, August 7, revealed their 17-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, set to be played at home. Shan Masood has been retained as captain, while Saud Shakeel has been promoted to the role of vice-captain. This strategic decision by the selectors aims to manage the workload of Shaheen Afridi, the previous vice-captain, during a busy period for Pakistan cricket.
From August 21, 2024, to April 5, 2025, Pakistan is scheduled to play nine Tests, 14 T20Is, and at least 17 ODIs. The selectors believe this move will help in balancing the responsibilities and maintaining the players’ fitness levels.
Of the 17 players chosen for the first Test series of the 2024-25 season, 13 were part of Pakistan’s last series against Australia. New inductees include Mohammad Huraira, Kamran Ghulam, and Mohammad Ali, who have been recognized for their consistent performances in domestic cricket as well as for Pakistan Shaheens. Additionally, Naseem Shah returns to the red-ball format after a 13-month hiatus.
Several notable players, however, did not make the cut for this series. Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali (injured), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr (injured), Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan were excluded from the squad.
The series will commence in Rawalpindi on August 21, with the second Test scheduled in Karachi on August 30.
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 (wicket-keeper)
- Naseem Shah
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Ali Agha
- Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper)
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
With the new appointments and the return of key players, Pakistan aims to start their Test season on a strong note against Bangladesh. The series promises exciting cricket as both teams prepare to showcase their talent and strategy in the longest format of the game.
