PCB revises Bangladesh 'A' series schedule

The Bangladesh 'A' men's cricket team is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on Saturday, August 10th, to participate in a series comprising two four-day matches and three 50-over matches against Pakistan Shaheens.

Originally planned for August 6th, their travel was postponed due to political turbulence in Bangladesh.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that all matches will take place at the Islamabad Club.

Saud Shakeel is set to captain the Pakistan Shaheens in their first match against Bangladesh 'A'. The squad will feature several Test team members, including Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Sarfaraz Ahmed.

The Pakistan Shaheens will begin their training for the four-day match on Wednesday afternoon at the Islamabad Club, under the guidance of head coach Umar Gul. He will be supported by Jason Gillespie and Azhar Mahmood before they shift their focus to the national team's camp on August 11.

Following the initial four-day match, the eight Test probables will join the national team, and replacements for these players in the Pakistan Shaheens squad will be announced by the selectors for the remaining matches against Bangladesh 'A'.

The PCB has been in communication with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, and the revised schedule for the Pakistan Shaheens versus Bangladesh 'A' series is expected to be announced soon.

Shaheens squad: Saud Shakeel (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saad Khan, Saim Ayub, Sameen Gul, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Umar Amin.

Below is the revised series schedule:

10 Aug – Arrival in Islamabad

13-16 Aug – 1st four-day match vs Pakistan Shaheens

20-23 Aug – 2nd four-day match vs Pakistan Shaheens

26 Aug – 1st 50-over match vs Pakistan Shaheens

28 Aug – 2nd 50-over match vs Pakistan Shaheens

30 Aug – 3rd 50-over match vs Pakistan Shaheens

Kashif Ali's replacement

Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas Afridi has been named as Kashif Ali's replacement in Pakistan Shaheens squad for the upcoming Top End T20 series, which begins on 9 August.

Kashif Ali, who sustained a right thigh tear during the second four-day match against Bangladesh 'A' (26-29 July), has been forced to withdraw from the squad.

He has returned to Pakistan to begin his rehabilitation process.

Mohammad Abbas Afridi, who has represented Pakistan in 10 T20 Internationals and has taken 16 wickets, will step in to fill the void left by Kashif.

Abbas was also part of Pakistan's squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, adding valuable experience to the Shaheens' lineup.

Regarding the Pakistan Shaheens' Darwin tour, it started with a two four-day match series against Bangladesh-A, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Following this, the Shaheens played two ODI matches, one against Northern Territory and the other against Bangladesh-A, winning both games.

Pakistan Shaheens squad for the Top End T20 Series: Mohammad Haris (captain), Abdul Faseeh, Arafat Minhas, Arif Yaqoob, Faisal Akram, Haseebullah (wicketkeeper/batter), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mubasir Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan.

Schedule of Top End T20 series

10 Aug – vs Perth Scorchers (Top End T20 Series)

11 Aug – vs Melbourne Stars (Top End T20 Series)

13 Aug – vs Tasmania (Top End T20 Series)

15 Aug – vs Melbourne Renegades (Top End T20 Series)

16 Aug – vs Bangladesh 'A' (Top End T20 Series)

17 Aug – vs ACT Comets (Top End T20 Series).