The match will give Saud the chance to validate the selectors’ decision to appoint him as Pakistan’s vice-captain, while also providing some senior players with an opportunity to warm up for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, set to begin later this month.
Saud will captain a squad that includes former Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed and fast bowler Naseem Shah. This will be the third encounter between the Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ within a month, with the previous two matches taking place in Darwin, Australia.
“We haven’t played Test or four-day cricket for nearly six months,” Saud said to reporters at the Shaheens camp on Monday. “This match will be very helpful because it allows our bodies to adjust to the format we’re playing.
“Test cricket is a completely different challenge. This match will be highly beneficial, and we hope it helps us in the Test series as well.”
Both Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ have assembled squads featuring players who will participate in the ICC World Test Championship matches, scheduled in Rawalpindi and Karachi on August 21 and 30, respectively.
This is particularly important as both Pakistan and Bangladesh have not played a Test since January and March, respectively. Pakistan’s last Test was against Australia in Sydney, while Bangladesh last appeared in this World Test Championship cycle against Sri Lanka at home.
The Pakistan Shaheens squad includes Test hopefuls such as Saud Shakeel (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Saim Ayub, alongside Naseem and Sarfraz.
On the other side, Bangladesh ‘A’ includes players like Hasan Mahmud, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nayeem Hasan, and Zakir Hasan, who will join the Test team after the four-day match.
Anamul Haque, with 74 international matches under his belt, will lead Bangladesh ‘A’.
“The Shaheens have a strong squad, particularly in fast bowling,” Anamul said in a statement. “With the experience on both sides, this first four-day match will be highly competitive.
“This series is also crucial for Bangladesh players preparing for the Test series and for young players aiming to earn a spot in the senior team.”
Squads for the first four-day match:
PAKISTAN SHAHEENS: Saud Shakeel (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rameez Jr, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saad Khan, Saim Ayub, Sarfraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), Umar Amin.
BANGLADESH ‘A’: Anamul Haque (captain), Hasan Mahmud, Hasan Murad, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nayeem Hasan, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Ruyel Miah, Sahadat Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Zakir Hasan.
