Pakistan Test Squad Arrives in Dhaka for Two-Match Series Against Bangladesh

Key facts

• First Pakistan contingent arrives in Dhaka at 3:00am Sunday.
• Two-match Test series begins May 8 at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur.
• Second Test scheduled May 16-20 at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
• Shan Masood captains 16-member squad including four uncapped players.
• Sarfar Ahmed appointed head coach; Asad Shafiq and Umar Gul as batting and bowling coaches.
• Pakistan last played a red-ball series in Bangladesh in 2021, winning 2-0.
• Bangladesh defeated Pakistan 2-0 in Rawalpindi in 2024, their first Test series win over Pakistan.
• Pakistan currently fifth in WTC standings with 12 points from two matches.

First Contingent Lands in Dhaka Ahead of Opening Test

The first contingent of the Pakistan national cricket team is set to arrive in Dhaka in the early hours of Sunday ahead of their upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The group, comprising coaching staff and players not involved in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final on May 3, is scheduled to land at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 3:00am, according to a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official. Players whose teams feature in the PSL final will join the squad after the tournament concludes. The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship and begins in Mirpur on May 8.

Pakistan Squad Features Four Uncapped Players Under Shan Masood

Shan Masood will continue to lead the 16-member Test side, which includes four uncapped players – Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori. Former Test captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed head coach for the tour, with Asad Shafiq and Umar Gul serving as batting and bowling coaches respectively. The squad also features established names such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan. Babar Azam and fast bowler Khurram Shehzad are set to join the national team after the conclusion of PSL 11, having left for Bangladesh earlier today.

Training Session Held at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium

The Pakistan Test squad held a training session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka ahead of the series. Players took part in net sessions that emphasized both batting and bowling under the guidance of the coaching staff. Additionally, the team performed physical drills and fielding exercises to enhance their fitness and improve their on-field skills. Prior to departing for Bangladesh, Pakistan organized a five-day training camp at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, during which players refined their skills. The team aims to build on their recent performances in the longest format.

Series Marks First Red-Ball Encounter Since 2021

This will be Pakistan’s first red-ball series in Bangladesh since 2021, when they secured a 2-0 victory. However, in their most recent meeting in 2024, Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by the same margin in Rawalpindi to notch their maiden Test series win over Pakistan. The upcoming series thus carries added significance for both sides. The first Test will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from May 8 to 12, while Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host the second Test from May 16 to 20. Both matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship, with Pakistan currently sitting fifth in the standings with 12 points from only two matches in the current cycle.

Bangladesh Aim to Build on Historic 2024 Victory

Bangladesh will look to replicate their 2024 success on home soil, having defeated Pakistan 2-0 in Rawalpindi. That victory was Bangladesh's first Test series win over Pakistan, a landmark achievement for the team. The home advantage could prove crucial as they aim to climb the WTC standings. Pakistan, meanwhile, will be eager to assert their dominance and avenge the recent loss. The inclusion of experienced players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, along with the guidance of Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach, adds depth to their campaign.

Outlook: A Pivotal Series for Both Teams in WTC Context

The two-match series holds significant implications for the World Test Championship. With Pakistan currently on 12 points from two matches, every result matters in the race for the final. Bangladesh, though not yet in the top tier, will see this as an opportunity to build momentum. As the teams prepare for the opening Test, all eyes will be on the performances of the uncapped players and the impact of the coaching staff. The series promises to be a closely contested affair, with both sides having something to prove.

The bottom line

• Pakistan's first contingent arrives in Dhaka early Sunday for a two-Test series starting May 8.
• Shan Masood leads a 16-man squad with four uncapped players; Sarfaraz Ahmed is head coach.
• The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship; Pakistan sits fifth with 12 points.
• Bangladesh won the last Test series between the sides in 2024, their first ever over Pakistan.
• Babar Azam and Khurram Shehzad will join after PSL 11; training camps held in Karachi and Dhaka.
• Matches are scheduled in Mirpur (May 8-12) and Sylhet (May 16-20).