Pakistan’s pace attack has suffered a significant setback just before their two-match home Test series against Bangladesh. Fast bowler Aamir Jamal has been withdrawn from the squad due to persistent fitness issues, weakening Pakistan’s lineup ahead of the important series. Jamal, who sustained a back injury during County cricket in England earlier this year, was initially included in the squad for the ICC World Test Championship series, contingent on passing a fitness test. However, the 28-year-old has not fully recovered and has been sent to the National Cricket Academy in Lahore for rehabilitation.
With Jamal’s exit, Pakistan’s squad for the Test series, which kicks off on Wednesday, has been reduced to 14 players. This follows the earlier release of spinner Abrar Ahmed and top-order batsman Kamran Ghulam.
Pakistan will face Bangladesh in the first Test with an all-pace attack, spearheaded by left-arm seamer Shaheen Afridi and the returning Naseem Shah. The fast-bowling lineup will also include Khurram Shehzad and Mir Hamza.
Jamal was considered a strong contender for the final XI after an impressive debut against Australia earlier this year, but his injury now delays his chance to make a significant impact on the international stage.
In other team news, Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam is expected to bat at number four during the upcoming series against Bangladesh, according to sources cited by Geo News. The sources also confirmed that Abdullah Shafiq’s position as an opener remains secure, while captain Shan Masood will take the number three spot.
Currently ranked sixth in the World Test Championship standings, Pakistan aims to secure a series win against Bangladesh to bolster their chances of qualifying for next year’s one-off final at Lord’s.
Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Shaheen Afridi.
