Major changes likely in Test squad for BD series

Mohammad Huraira, Sahibzada Farhan, Aamir Jamal are likely to make the squad

Leading up to Pakistan’s Test series against Bangladesh, numerous key players are vying for spots in the team.

Final consultations on the Test squad will take place next week, with the squad’s announcement hinging on the return of red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie.

Gillespie is currently in Darwin with the Pakistan Shaheens and will return after the second four-day match against Bangladesh A. The Test series preparations will include a training camp in the second week of August, and the first Test is set to begin on August 21 in Rawalpindi.

This series marks Pakistan’s return to Test cricket after their last match in January against Australia, with many changes expected in the lineup.

Sources indicate that form and fitness issues will see several players losing their spots, while new faces like Mohammad Huraira and Sahibzada Farhan are likely to be included.

According to a media report, among those facing challenges in retaining their positions are Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saim Ayub, and Nauman Ali.

Discussions are ongoing regarding Imam-ul-Haq, and decisions about Aamir Jamal and Hasan Ali’s inclusion will depend on their fitness assessments.

Pak pacer Tanvir blasts Harbhajan

Former Pakistan pacer Tanvir Ahmed fiercely criticized former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh for his remarks on the safety fears in sending the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

Harbhajan stated, “Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan? There is a safety concern in Pakistan. The situation is such that incidents occur almost daily. It’s not safe for the team to go there. The BCCI’s stance is absolutely correct—nothing is more important than the safety of our players. I fully support the BCCI’s decision.”

In response, Tanvir Ahmed took to the social media platform ‘X’ to voice his disagreement and called out Singh’s stance. “Hey Harbhajan Singh, you hypocrite! If you say that India shouldn’t go to Pakistan, then why do you meet with Pakistani players? We also know what kind of hypocrites are in your country,” Tanvir posted.

Pakistan is gearing up to host its first major cricket tournament since the 2008 Asia Cup and is making significant efforts to ensure the event’s success.

However, India’s reluctance to travel for the Champions Trophy 2025 poses a substantial challenge for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as they work to address and mitigate any safety concerns raised by international teams.

Saleem Jaffer eyes Ranji Trophy team coaching spot

The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) is in the midst of a significant decision as it seeks a new head coach for the Punjab senior team ahead of the upcoming domestic season.

Among the frontrunners are former India opener Wasim Jaffer and former Pakistan fast bowling coach Shaun Tait.

“We have received over 45 applications for the head coach role of the Punjab senior team. Two of the prominent names are former India opener Wasim Jaffer and former Australia speedster Shaun Tait. The process is still underway, and we will announce the name by next week,” a PCA official said.

The successful candidate will replace Aavishkar Salvi, who assumed the head coach position in August 2022.

Under Salvi’s guidance, Punjab made notable strides in the 2022-23 domestic season, reaching the knockouts of all three major tournaments.

The team advanced to the last four stage of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the quarter-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and the Ranji Trophy.

A standout moment for Punjab under Salvi’s leadership was winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy by defeating Baroda in the final.

This victory ended a 30-year trophy drought, with the last domestic title being the Ranji Trophy in the 1992-93 season.