The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the 12-member squad for the second Test against Bangladeshwill begin on August 30 in Rawalpindi. Shan Massoud will continue his side captaincy with Saud Shakil as its vice-captain. The team returns a quality leg-spinner and left-arm pacer as Pakistan look to build on their performance from the first Test.
Shaheen Afridi missed his strategic decision
One of the most notable players in the squad is the top-ranked pacer Shaheen Afridi. Struggling for form with just two wickets to his name in the first Test, the left-arm pacer was left out of the 12-man squad. His dismissal sparked debate as he was considered Pakistan’s first ever fast bowler.
White ball coach of Pakistan Jason Gillespie addressed the decision at a press conference, explaining that Afridi’s absence was part of a broader strategic plan. He also noted that Afridi has had a “difficult few weeks” including the joy of becoming a new father and the team management has decided to give him some time off to spend time with his family. Gillespie stressed that the decision was based on the conditions they expected to encounter in Rawalpindi.
“Sahin will be out of this game. I had a good chat with him and he fully understands and appreciates the reasons behind this decision. We are looking for the best combination for this game. As I mentioned, we will assess the conditions in the morning and decide the exact composition of our bowling attack. Gillespie said under pressure.
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Abrar Ahmed and Mir Hamza return
return of Abrar Ahmed and Mir Hamza is another significant change in the staff. Brought in based on the team’s assessment of the conditions, Abrar is expected to play a key role with the spin bowling. The inclusion of Mir Hamza provides an additional left-arm pace option in Shaheen Afridi’s absence.
“According to our assessment of the situation, Abrar Ahmed was included in the 12-member squad. We have yet to see the pitch; we will assess the conditions tomorrow morning” Gillespie added.
Pakistan’s 12-man squad for the second Test:
Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.
