Pakistan Shaheens name replacement for Sameen Gul in squad

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed a key change in the Pakistan Shaheens' lineup for their ongoing red-ball series against Bangladesh-A. 

Pace bowler Ghulam Mudassar has replaced right-arm pacer Sameen Gul, who was withdrawn from the squad yesterday as a precautionary measure. 

Sameen will now report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore for post-rehabilitation workload management.

The two-match series between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh-A kicked off yesterday at the Islamabad Club and will wrap up at the same venue on August 23.

Both teams have selected squads featuring players who will later participate in the ICC World Test Championship fixtures scheduled to be held in Rawalpindi and Karachi later this month.

The Pakistan Shaheens' lineup includes several Test probables, including captain Saud Shakeel, Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Sarfaraz Ahmed. On the other hand, Bangladesh A's squad features Hasan Mahmud, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nayeem Hasan, and Zakir Hasan, who are also expected to join their national Test side following this series.

On the opening day of the first four-day match, Pakistan Shaheens made a strong start, bowling out Bangladesh-A for a mere 122 runs. 

Fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Mir Hamza led the charge, each claiming three wickets. Naseem, returning to red-ball cricket after over a year, impressed with figures of 3-24 in 8.3 overs, while Hamza took 3-33 in his 11 overs.

Mohammad Ali also played a crucial role with the ball, being the most economical bowler with figures of 1-14 in 11 overs, including six maidens. Ali's key dismissal of Mushfiqur Rahim further dented Bangladesh A's batting lineup. 

Umar Amin and leg-spinner Mohammad Rameez Jr. contributed with a wicket apiece, ensuring Pakistan Shaheens maintained control throughout the day.

Pakistan Shaheens are currently at two runs without losing any wickets.

This series serves as an important platform for both sides to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the ICC World Test Championship fixtures. The first Test is scheduled for Rawalpindi from August 21-25, followed by the second in Karachi from August 30 to September 3.