Dhaka, August 11, 2024 — The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially announced the inclusion of the veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan in the 16-member squad for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan. Despite earlier uncertainties surrounding Shakib’s fitness for the red-ball format, the 37-year-old cricketer has been deemed fit to join the Tigers in their crucial tour.
Recent Form and Contributions of Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan’s inclusion comes after a period of intense speculation regarding his ability to endure the demands of Test cricket. Having last played in Bangladesh’s Test series against Sri Lanka in May, Shakib has since participated in various T20 leagues, including the Major League Cricket in the USA, the Lanka Premier League in Sri Lanka, and Canada’s Global T20. His consistent performances across these formats have evidently convinced the BCB of his readiness to contribute at the Test level once again.
Squad Adjustments: Key Inclusions and Exclusions
The Test squad sees the return of experienced players Mushfiqur Rahim and Taskin Ahmed, both of whom missed the previous series due to injuries. Mushfiqur, a seasoned middle-order batsman, is expected to bolster the batting lineup, while Taskin’s pace will add depth to the bowling attack. In contrast, middle-order batter Shahadat Hossain Dipu has been excluded from the squad, making way for the return of the veterans.
Preparations in Lahore: Training Schedule and Match Dates
The Bangladesh team is scheduled to depart for Lahore on August 12, 2024, ahead of the two-match Test series. Upon arrival, the Tigers will undergo a rigorous three-day training session at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium on August 14, 15, and 16. These sessions will be crucial in acclimating the players to the conditions in Pakistan and fine-tuning their strategies before the first Test match, which is set to commence on August 21. The series will conclude with the second Test starting on August 30.
Full Squad for Pakistan Test Series
The full squad for the Pakistan Test series is as follows:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy
- Zakir Hasan
- Shadman Islam
- Mominul Haque
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Liton Das
- Mehedi Hasan Miraz
- Taijul Islam
- Nayeem Hasan
- Nahid Rana
- Shoriful Islam
- Hasan Mahmud
- Taskin Ahmed
- Syed Khaled Ahmed
Strategic Outlook: Bangladesh’s Test Prospects
With the return of key players and the inclusion of Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh is poised to field a well-rounded squad capable of challenging Pakistan on their home turf. The team’s composition reflects a blend of experience and youth, which will be vital in navigating the tough conditions expected in Lahore.
As the cricketing world turns its attention to this series, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Shakib Al Hasan. His performance will be critical in determining Bangladesh’s success, as they seek to improve their standing in the World Test Championship rankings.
