RAWALPINDI: The glittering trophy for the Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh was unveiled at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday.
The series, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, is set to feature two Test matches, both to be played at the Rawalpindi venue from August 21 to September 4. The first Test will commence on August 21, followed by the second Test from August 30 to September 3.
Pakistan, currently ranked sixth in the ICC World Test Championship standings, is gearing up for a demanding season. They have previously played two away series in the championship, securing a 2-0 victory against Sri Lanka but facing a 3-0 defeat against Australia. This season is notable for Pakistan, with nine Test matches scheduled, making it their busiest Test season since 1998-99.
The series will be significant for several reasons. It marks the beginning of red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie’s first international assignment with Pakistan since his appointment in April this year. Additionally, it will be the first Test match on home soil for Pakistan’s new captain, Shan Masood.
Masood expressed his enthusiasm and readiness for the upcoming series, emphasizing the importance of starting the season strongly. “Fans always want the cricket team to do well and win matches for them. We are all excited about the series and the great season ahead,” said Masood.
“Our bowlers are capable of taking 20 wickets and helping the team win matches. We had some good training sessions leading up to the series, and the coaching staff has worked hard with the players. It is an honour and a privilege to lead the side at home.”
Bangladesh, led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, also sees the series as a crucial opportunity. Shanto expressed gratitude towards the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for facilitating practice sessions in Lahore and acknowledged the importance of the series for both teams.
“We are grateful to the PCB for helping us get some practice here in Lahore. We had a couple of sessions there and I am hopeful the players will do well in the series,” Shanto said. “The series is part of the ICC Championship, and we know every game is very important.”
Both teams have announced their squads for the series. Pakistan’s playing XI for the first Test includes Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, and Mohammad Ali.
Bangladesh’s squad comprises Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Hasan Mahmud, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nahid Rana, Nayeem Hasan, Shadman Islam, Shakib Al Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Taijul Islam, and Zakir Hasan.
