Babar Azam to Bat at Number Four in Pakistan's Test Series Against Bangladesh

Babar Azam to Bat at Number Four in Pakistan’s Test Series Against Bangladesh

Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam is set to bat at number four in the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, according to sources. This decision comes after concerns were raised about the team’s fitness following their disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup 2024.

Former Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt has praised Azam’s fitness and consistency, highlighting his impressive run-scoring record over the past two years. Butt emphasized the importance of maintaining fitness, especially after the criticism the team faced for their poor performance at the T20 World Cup.

The two-match Test series against Bangladesh will mark the first assignment for Pakistan’s new Test coach, Jason Gillespie. The first Test will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from August 21, while the second Test will be held in Karachi from August 30 to September 3.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that spectators will not be allowed during the second Test match in Karachi due to ongoing renovations at the National Stadium.

The Pakistan squad for the Test series includes:

* Shan Masood (captain)
* Saud Shakeel
* Aamir Jamal (subject to fitness)
* Abdullah Shafique
* Abrar Ahmed
* Babar Azam
* Kamran Ghulam
* Khurram Shahzad
* Mir Hamza
* Mohammad Ali
* Muhammad Hurraira
* Mohammad Rizwan
* Naseem Shah
* Saim Ayub
* Salman Ali Agha
* Sarfaraz Ahmed
* Shaheen Shah Afridi

The Bangladesh squad for the Test series includes:

* Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain)
* Mahmudullah
* Zakir Hasan
* Shadman Islam
* Mominul Haque
* Mushfiqur Rahim
* Shakib Al Hasan
* Litton Das
* Mehidy Hasan Miraz
* Taijul Islam
* Nazmul Hossain
* Nurul Hasan
* Ebadot Hossain
* Hasan Mahmud
* Taskin Ahmed
* Khaled Ahmed

Mahmudul Hasan Joy Injury Casts Doubt over Bangladesh's Test Hopes in Pakistan

Mahmudul Hasan Joy Injury Casts Doubt over Bangladesh’s Test Hopes in Pakistan

Bangladesh Faces Uncertainty over Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s Availability for Pakistan Test Series

Bangladesh’s hopes of a strong start to their two-Test series in Pakistan have been dealt a blow with the news that opening batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy has suffered a groin injury. According to ESPNcricinfo, the injury is expected to take around two weeks to heal, putting Joy’s participation in both the first and second Tests in doubt.

Joy, who is already in Pakistan, played in a four-day game for Bangladesh A against Pakistan A in Islamabad earlier this week. He scored 65 in the first innings but did not bat in the second.

The injury is a significant setback for Bangladesh, as Joy has formed a settled opening partnership with Zakir Hasan in recent Tests. Shadman Islam is likely to take Joy’s place in the lineup if he is unavailable.

Bangladesh’s 16-member squad has been training in Lahore and is scheduled to travel to Islamabad on August 17. The first Test will be played in Rawalpindi from August 21 to 25, while the second Test will be held in Karachi from August 30 to September 3.

The Karachi Test will be played without spectators due to ongoing construction work at the National Stadium.

Pakistan Pacer Khurram Shahzad Rattles Babar Azam in Intense Net Session

Pakistan Pacer Khurram Shahzad Rattles Babar Azam in Intense Net Session

Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam faced a challenging net session ahead of the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, as pacer Khurram Shahzad rattled him with an inswinging delivery that struck him near the abdominal region. The incident, captured on video and shared on social media, has sparked concern among fans.

Shahzad’s delivery left Azam visibly in pain, and he struggled to time the ball effectively throughout the session. The video shows Azam getting clean bowled on the very next delivery he faced from the same bowler.

The incident occurred during a training session in Rawalpindi, where the Pakistan team is preparing for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting August 21. The series will mark the first assignment for Jason Gillespie as Pakistan’s Test coach.

Pakistan has opted for a pace-heavy lineup for the series, with five fast bowlers and just one frontline spinner, Abrar Ahmed. Saud Shakeel has been appointed as the new vice-captain.

The Pakistan squad for the Test series includes: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Aamir Jamal (subject to fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Hurraira, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be led by Najmul Hossain Shanto. Their squad includes Mahmudullah, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nazmul Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, and Khaled Ahmed.

The first Test will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium from August 21 to August 25, while the second Test will be held in Karachi from August 30 to September 3. Spectators will not be allowed during the second Test due to ongoing renovations at Karachi’s National Stadium.

PCB Releases Ahmed and Ghulam from Test Squad for Match Practice

PCB Releases Ahmed and Ghulam from Test Squad for Match Practice

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a strategic move by releasing spinner Abrar Ahmed and top-order batter Kamran Ghulam from the Pakistan squad for the first Test against Bangladesh. This decision stems from the selectors’ preference for an all-pace attack in the opening match of the ICC World Test Championship.

To ensure that Ahmed and Ghulam maintain match fitness, they have been included in the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the second four-day match against Bangladesh ‘A’, commencing on August 20 at the Islamabad Club. Ghulam has been appointed as the captain of the Shaheens for this encounter.

The PCB’s decision to release Ahmed and Ghulam from the Test squad is aimed at providing them with valuable match practice ahead of the second Test, which will be played in Karachi from August 30. This move will allow them to regain their rhythm and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming Test.

As a result of these changes, the Pakistan Test squad has been reduced to 15 players. However, it will revert to its original strength of 17 players after the conclusion of the second four-day match, when Ahmed and Ghulam will rejoin the side for the Karachi Test.

Several players have been transferred between the Pakistan Test and Shaheens squads. Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Saud Shakeel have joined the Test side, while Mohammad Rameez Jnr has been omitted from the Shaheens squad for the second four-day match.

The Shaheens squad for the second four-day match has been bolstered by the inclusion of Abrar Ahmed, Ali Zaryab Asif, Awais Anwar, Imam Ul Haq, Niaz Khan, Qasim Akram, Rohail Nazir, and Sharoon Siraj. These players will replace the eight players who have joined the Test side.

Babar Azam to Bat at Number Four in Pakistan's Test Series Against Bangladesh

Babar Azam to Bat at Number Four in Pakistan’s Test Series Against Bangladesh

Pakistan’s former cricketer Salman Butt has lauded Babar Azam’s fitness and consistent performance over the past two years. Butt emphasized the importance of maintaining fitness, especially after Pakistan’s disappointing performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Sources have revealed that Babar Azam will bat at number four in Pakistan’s upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. Captain Shan Masood will bat at number three, while Abdullah Shafique’s position as opener remains secure.

Butt praised Azam’s ability to score runs in both the first and second innings, demonstrating his fitness and adaptability. He expressed concern over the team’s fitness issues, which have been a topic of discussion since the T20 World Cup.

The two-match Test series against Bangladesh will commence on August 21 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Jason Gillespie will make his debut as Pakistan’s Test coach during the series. The second Test will be played in Karachi from August 30 to September 3.

Due to ongoing renovations at the National Stadium in Karachi, spectators will not be allowed during the second Test match.

Pakistan Cricket Team Reshuffles Batting Order, Babar Azam to Bat at Number Four

Pakistan Cricket Team Reshuffles Batting Order, Babar Azam to Bat at Number Four

Pakistan’s cricket team is undergoing a strategic overhaul ahead of their upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The most notable change is the decision to have captain Babar Azam bat at the unfamiliar number four position. This move is part of a broader tactical adjustment by the team management, which aims to solidify the top order and provide stability to the middle order.

Azam’s usual batting position in limited-overs cricket has been in the top three, but he has experimented with the number four spot in Test cricket before. During Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2022, he batted at number three, and he retained that position for the second Test against England later that year. However, his move to number four for the Bangladesh series suggests a more permanent shift in the team’s long-term strategy.

The decision to move Azam down the order has opened up opportunities for other players. Abdullah Shafiq’s position as opener remains secure, while captain Shan Masood will take on the crucial number three role. This new batting order aims to provide a solid foundation for the team and allow Azam to play a more influential role in the middle order.

The series against Bangladesh also presents an opportunity for new talent to emerge. Batsman Muhammad Huraira is a strong contender for a debut appearance, signalling the team management’s intent to introduce fresh faces into the Test arena.

On the bowling front, Pakistan are expected to capitalize on the anticipated bowler-friendly conditions at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. A three-pronged pace attack comprising Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mir Hamza is likely to be deployed, with one spinner completing the bowling lineup.

The two-match Test series, commencing on August 21st in Rawalpindi, holds added significance as it marks the first assignment for newly appointed Test coach, Jason Gillespie. Gillespie’s arrival signals a new chapter for Pakistan’s Test cricket, and his guidance will be crucial in shaping the team’s approach against Bangladesh and beyond.

The second Test, scheduled from August 30th to September 3rd in Karachi, will unfortunately be played without spectators due to ongoing renovations at the National Stadium. While the absence of a home crowd might be a slight setback, the team remains focused on delivering a strong performance and securing a series victory against Bangladesh.

Pakistan Test Skipper Masood Stresses Need for Home Advantage

Pakistan Test Skipper Masood Stresses Need for Home Advantage

Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood, has emphasized the importance of establishing a winning mentality at home for the team’s long-term success. He believes that until Pakistan can consistently triumph on home soil, they cannot aspire to qualify for the World Test Championship final.

Masood’s appointment as Test captain followed Babar Azam’s resignation after Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup. Since international cricket returned to Pakistan in 2019, the Test side has struggled to make an impact at home. Australia and England have both comfortably won series in Pakistan, while the hosts have also failed to defeat New Zealand.

Critics have accused the PCB and team management of preparing flat pitches against Australia, England, and New Zealand in 2022-23, fearing defeats. Pakistan’s last Test series win came against South Africa in January 2021.

Masood believes that Pakistan’s lack of home advantage stems from their decade-long isolation from international cricket. “In Test cricket, you have to be familiar with certain conditions,” he said. “We still haven’t found our ideal way of playing at home that suits our batting, bowling, and overall style.”

Pakistan’s red-ball head coach, former Australian pace bowler Jason Gillespie, hopes that playing seven out of nine Tests at home this season will help the team find the right formula. “I think we still need to figure out exactly what surfaces we want to be playing on which gives us the edge,” said Gillespie.

Masood is determined to create conditions that favor Pakistan’s strengths. “We need to determine how we can create conditions that suit us more and put us in the driving seat, rather than just thinking about how we can cope with the opposition,” he said.

Pakistan’s upcoming international assignments in July will provide a crucial test for Masood and his team. If they can establish a winning habit at home, they will take a significant step towards their goal of becoming a formidable unit on the international stage.

Shan Masood Rejects Naseem Shah's Language Barrier Claims

Shan Masood Rejects Naseem Shah’s Language Barrier Claims

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has refuted claims made by teammate Naseem Shah regarding a language barrier between the team and foreign coaches. Masood emphasized that Pakistan has made significant progress in improving communication, citing the successful tenure of former head coach Mickey Arthur as an example.

Naseem Shah had previously expressed concerns about communication difficulties with foreign coaches, stating that players prefer to interact with coaches in their native language. However, Masood strongly disagrees, highlighting the team’s exposure to different dressing rooms and the presence of foreign support staff.

“I think now there is no communication gap,” Masood asserted. “All of us have spent a lot of time in different dressing rooms. Foreign coaches have come before in Mickey’s time. Mickey has come twice. Different assistant foreign coaches have come.”

Masood pointed out that Pakistan’s backroom staff also includes personnel from overseas, including the strength and conditioning coach and physiotherapist. He believes that the players have gained valuable experience through playing in different leagues and franchises, including club cricket in England.

“Over the years, the boys have picked a lot of things, played in different leagues, played franchises. Some people have even gone to England and played club cricket in the past,” Masood added.

Pakistan is set to host Bangladesh for the first of two Test matches on August 21. The team currently sits fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) table for the 2023-25 cycle. Masood’s comments suggest that the team is confident in its ability to communicate effectively with its new head coach, Jason Gillespie, and achieve success in the upcoming series.

Aleem Dar's Heartbreaking Secret: Daughter's Death Concealed During World Cup

Aleem Dar’s Heartbreaking Secret: Daughter’s Death Concealed During World Cup

Pakistan’s most experienced umpire, Aleem Dar, has shared the heartbreaking story of how his family concealed the death of his seven-month-old daughter from him during the early stages of his international career in 2003.

The 56-year-old umpire recounted on a Pakistani television channel that his wife and family chose not to inform him about the tragic loss while he was officiating in the 2003 World Cup. “It was the beginning of my career as an ICC panel umpire, and it was a crucial assignment for my career,” Dar said. “They knew that if I learned about my daughter’s passing, I would immediately return home.”

Dar, who has officiated in 145 Tests, 231 ODIs, and 72 T20 Internationals, said that when he eventually discovered the truth, it was the most devastating moment of his life. “I was kept in the dark for almost a month after her passing, and I only found out by chance in Johannesburg when a Pakistani man from my hometown of Sialkot came to offer his condolences,” he said.

“It was a huge shock to me at that time, and I immediately informed the ICC and returned home,” Dar added. He recalled that when he called his wife, she broke down in tears over the phone.

Dar’s family had strictly instructed the media not to report the news, fearing it would affect his performance on the field. “I came to know later that my father had strictly told the media friends not to print the story,” he said.

Despite the immense personal tragedy, Dar continued to excel in his umpiring career, earning widespread respect for his integrity and professionalism. He is considered one of the most respected umpires in the world and has officiated in some of the most high-profile matches in cricket history.

Pakistan-Bangladesh Test in Karachi to be Played Without Spectators

Pakistan-Bangladesh Test in Karachi to be Played Without Spectators

The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, scheduled for August 30 to September 3 in Karachi, will be played behind closed doors due to ongoing construction work at the National Stadium. The decision was made as part of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) stadium renovation project ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is also undergoing similar upgrades in preparation for Pakistan’s first ICC tournament since 1996. The PCB opted to keep the Test in Karachi to distribute its home matches across three venues: Karachi, Multan, and Rawalpindi. Multan will host Pakistan’s first Test against England from October 7.

The England Test scheduled in Karachi from October 15 is expected to have spectators in attendance. The PCB has suspended ticket sales for the first Test against Bangladesh with immediate effect, citing the health and safety of fans as its top priority.

“We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause, but we want to assure our valued fans that the ongoing stadium upgrades are aimed at enhancing their experience,” the PCB said in a statement.

The Bangladesh squad arrived in Lahore four days ahead of schedule to begin training after their preparations were disrupted by political unrest in Bangladesh. The team will train at Gaddafi Stadium before traveling to Rawalpindi for the first Test, which begins on August 21.

Bangladesh’s previous bilateral tour of Pakistan in 2020 was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The upcoming series marks their first full tour of Pakistan since 2003.

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