Pakistan’s fast-bowling allrounder Aamer Jamal will miss the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh due to an ongoing back injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Monday. Jamal was initially included in the squad with his participation contingent upon fitness clearance. However, his recovery has been slower than anticipated, ruling him out of both Tests.
Jamal, who emerged as Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker during the 2023-24 away series in Australia with 18 scalps in three Tests, has been battling lower back issues since May. The injury hampered his multi-format stint with Warwickshire in England, where he last played competitive cricket in June.
As the lone seam-bowling allrounder in the squad, Jamal’s absence leaves Pakistan with a 14-man roster for the first Test. Abrar Ahmed and Kamran Ghulam have also been released to play for the Shaheens. Consequently, Pakistan is likely to field an all-seam attack for the first Test, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mir Hamza, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Ali vying for selection.
Jamal will now focus on regaining fitness at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. His aim is to be ready for the Test series against England in October.
