Shaheen Afridi Dropped, Shan Masood To Lead; Pakistan's Probable Squad For Bangladesh Tests
Shaheen could be dropped for BAN Tests [X]
As per emerging reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board will likely take a bold step and drop Shaheen Afridi from the men's squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.
Under Shan Masood's leadership, the Men in Green will kickstart their home season with a two-match Test series against the Tigers.
However, several reports have claimed that Pakistan would likely exclude Afridi from the Test squad after head coach Gary Kirsten and his deputy Azhar Mahmood accused the seamer of lobbying and misbehaving with batting coach Mohammad Yousuf.
Shaheen dropped; PAK probable squad for BAN Tests
If Shaheen is dropped, Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza could lead Pakistan's pace attack alongside Naseem Shah and the experienced Hasan Ali.
Furthermore, with Faheem Ashraf being sidelined, Pakistan might prefer Aamer Jamal for the seam bowling all-rounder's role, considering his impactful batting performances in Australia Tests.
Among others, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam will shoulder Pakistan's batting along with skipper Masood, with Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman performing key roles in the middle order.
Also, given his stunning performance in the domestic circuit, Sahibzada Farhan could receive a call-up. In 58 First-Class matches, Farhan has amassed 4401 runs at an impressive average of 44.90.
Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed is the front-runner to lead Pakistan's spin department, with either Noman Ali or Sajid Khan being his deputy.
Pakistan's probable squad for Bangladesh Tests
Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali, Noman Ali/Sajid Khan