Pakistan is gearing up to face Bangladesh in a two-match Test series, starting with the first match in Rawalpindi on Wednesday. This series will also mark Jason Gillespie’s debut as Pakistan’s Test coach. The Playing XI for the first Test has been announced, with the surprising decision to bench spinner Abrar Ahmed. Former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal criticized this move, highlighting the importance of having a spinner in the team.
In addition to Abrar, Kamran Ghulam has also been benched, as both players are named in the Pakistan Shaheens’ squad for the upcoming match against Bangladesh A on August 30.
With Abrar out of the team, Pakistan will rely solely on their pace attack for the first Test. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha and Saud Shakeel are the only spin options available for Pakistan in the Playing XI.
Akmal questioned the selectors’ decision to omit a spinner, citing the examples of India not playing without Ravindra Jadeja or Ravichandran Ashwin.
“When you look at other top teams like Australia and India, they always have their key spinners in the team. By not including Abrar, Pakistan’s chances are being limited,” Akmal remarked to Cricket Pakistan.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Ali are the main pacers for Pakistan in the first Test against Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha will handle the spin bowling duties.
Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will open the innings for Pakistan, with captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam solidifying the middle order.
(With ANI Inputs)
@Cricbun
