Pindi, Multan may host Pak-BD Tests

The two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is likely to be held in August in Rawalpindi and Multan.

According to sources, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is undergoing upgrades in preparation for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which will take some time to complete.

Following the work in Lahore, the National Bank Stadium in Karachi will also be upgraded, posing potential challenges for the PCB in organizing Test matches there.

Consequently, Multan and Rawalpindi stadiums are being considered as alternative venues. Ongoing discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are in progress on finalizing the venues and dates, with an official schedule expected to be agreed upon in the coming days.

This two-match series is part of the ICC Test Championship 2023-2025.

New coach Gillespie to hold camp for BD series next month

Following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, newly appointed red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan next month to oversee a training camp for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh in August.

A reliable source from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has informed PTI that the training camp is scheduled to commence in Karachi on July 24. The camp will address issues concerning the national team and players from Pakistan Shaheens (A-Team).

“Gillespie will be supervising the camp with the support staff, and Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood, will return early from England to prepare for the Bangladesh series, which includes two Test matches,” the source said.

The source also mentioned that some senior players might be rested for the series as Gillespie aims to evaluate the backup talent in the country. Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has indicated to the PCB his desire to include Babar Azam in the Test team for the upcoming series, though other senior players may be given a break.

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is expected to hold a press conference next week to discuss the major decisions of the Board following the T20 World Cup failure. He will also address issues related to team dynamics.

“Naqvi is known for his straightforward approach and will likely address what went wrong with the Pakistan team. Babar has reportedly expressed concerns about the productivity of certain players during and before the World Cup, and he is expected to include these complaints in his report to the PCB,” the source added.

The upcoming schedule for Pakistan’s cricket team is packed, beginning in August when they will host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series. Following this, England will visit Pakistan in October for a three-match Test series.

In November, Pakistan will travel to Australia for a series consisting of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is). After their stint in Australia, Pakistan’s next destination will be Zimbabwe, where they will play three ODIs and three T20Is from November 20 to December 5.

Following the matches in Zimbabwe, Pakistan will head to Durban for a tour of South Africa, where they are scheduled to play three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches from December 10 to January 7.

From August to January, Pakistan’s cricket team will play a minimum of seven Test matches, 13 ODIs, and nine T20Is, promising a busy and exciting period for both the team and their supporters.