Tentative dates for Pakistan vs Bangladesh Test series revealed

Pakistan and Bangladesh are gearing up for a two-match Test series set to commence by late August 2024, as reported by a local news channel. 

Bangladesh is expected to arrive in Pakistan around August 20, with the first Test likely starting on August 25. The second Test is slated for the early days of September, with Karachi and Rawalpindi proposed as the host venues.

Discussions are currently ongoing between the cricket boards of both nations to finalize the series schedule. Reports suggest that Pakistan's Test captain Shan Masood, head coach Jason Gillespie, and the selection committee have already begun deliberations on the squad composition for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

There's speculation that key players from Pakistan's white-ball format like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi might be rested for the Test matches against Bangladesh. Notably, Haris Rauf's inclusion in the squad is reportedly not being considered.

In terms of squad selection, potential candidates being discussed include Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Ali Agha, and former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who also contributes as a wicketkeeper-batter. The fast bowling department is looking at options like Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Mir Hamza, Khurram Shahzad, and Aamir Jamal.

This series marks Jason Gillespie's maiden assignment as head coach of the Pakistan Test team, following his appointment in April. For Shan Masood, who took over the captaincy last year, this will be his second series at the helm after leading Pakistan in a challenging three-Test series against Australia, which Pakistan lost 3-0 in Australia.