This week, Bangladesh kicks off a two-Test series in Pakistan amidst significant political unrest that has disrupted their preparations. The instability, which culminated in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, confined the team's foreign coaches to their homes, adhering strictly to embassy advisories, while widespread demonstrations prevented the squad from gathering for practice. The composition of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains uncertain after President Nazmul Hassan left the country due to his ties with Hasina. Despite the political entanglement, ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, a former parliament member for Hasina's party, has been permitted to participate in the series by the interim government.
"Due to the current situation, practicing was not feasible," stated spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed. The Pakistan Cricket Board offered some relief by inviting the team to arrive four days early to compensate for their lack of preparation. A secondary Bangladesh squad, including six national team players, has been conducting practice matches in Islamabad since August 10. Adding to their challenges, in-form opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy has been sidelined from the first Test due to a groin strain, although senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim is anticipated to heal in time from a finger injury.
Bangladesh aims to break their losing streak against Pakistan, having lost 12 of 13 Tests with just one draw. The two-match Test series is part of the World Test Championship's third cycle, with Pakistan ranked sixth and Bangladesh eighth in the current nine-team standings. The second Test, both relocated to Rawalpindi due to stadium construction in Karachi, is scheduled from August 30. Following a 3-0 defeat in Australia earlier this year, Pakistan appointed former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie as Test coach and Adelaide groundsman Damien Hough to enhance pitch quality. Pakistan, having released their sole spinner Abrar Ahmed, will field an all-pace attack, a strategy last employed five years ago against Sri Lanka at the same venue. Conversely, Bangladesh will depend on spin with Shakib (237 wickets), Taijul Islam (195), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (164) included.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood dismissed the notion that the Bangladesh team is underprepared. "All international Test sides are expected to enter a series well prepared and aiming to play their best cricket," he told AFP. "Bangladesh has quality players across all departments, and we respect the challenges they present." Masood also expressed optimism about Pakistan's potential under the new coaching regime. "We are eager to see how they help us improve as individuals, cricketers, and ultimately, become top-tier teams in the world."
Teams (from): Pakistan: 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: 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. Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG) and Adrian Holdstock (RSA). TV umpire: Michael Gough (ENG). Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)
