Abrar Ahmed returns as Pakistan names squad for second Test against Bangladesh

Abrar Ahmed and Mir Hamza return to the squad, while Shaheen Afridi is excluded from the final Test match.

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Pakistan has announced its 12-member squad for the second Test against Bangladesh, set to begin on Friday, August 30, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Shan Masood will lead the side, with Saud Shakeel serving as vice-captain.

The squad sees the return of Abrar Ahmed and Mir Hamza, while Shaheen Afridi has been left out of the final match of the series.

Bangladesh, having secured a historic 10-wicket victory in the first Test, leads the series 1-0.

In a press conference, Pakistan's white-ball captain Jason Gillespie explained the selection process, noting that Abrar Ahmed’s inclusion was based on an assessment of the conditions.

The final playing XI will be announced after evaluating the pitch on the morning of the match.

Pakistan's twelve member squad for second Test: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Mir Hamza

Bangladesh made history by defeating Pakistan by 10 wickets in the Rawalpindi Test, with Pakistan being bowled out for just 146 runs in their second innings on the final day.

Pakistan played four pacers in the first Test - Shaheen, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali and Naseem Shah - as the Shan Masood-led unit wanted to go with a pace attack, but things did not go their way as they were dominated by the Bangladesh batting lineup.

It is believed inside the dressing room that the pacers could not take advantage of the grass on the pitch and their declining pace also became a matter of discussion.

The latest defeat to Bangladesh adds to this string of failures, leaving fans and former players deeply concerned about the future of Pakistan cricket.

Pakistan’s last victory in a home Test was in February 2021 against South Africa. Since then, they have endured a series of disappointing results, including a series loss to Australia, a whitewash at the hands of England, and a drawn series against New Zealand.