Pakistan Announce Squad For Bangladesh Tests; Huraira In, Saud Shakeel Named Vice-Captain

Saud Shakeel is Pakistan's new Test vice-captain [X]

In a significant development, the Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a formidable 17-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home. Dynamic left-handed batter Saud Shakeel has been named as the new vice-captain, as he will be the deputy of Pakistan's Test skipper, Shan Masood. 

The PCB has also rewarded Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Huraira with Test call-ups following their impressive performances in the domestic circuit. 

Although he has been included in the squad, Aamer Jamal's participation in the series is subject to fitness. 

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The squad features several familiar names, with Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha expected to play key roles in the batting department. 

Veteran batter and former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed also finds a place as the reserve wicket-keeper. 

Mir Hamza, who made the new ball talk during the Australia series, will spearhead Pakistan's pace bowling attack alongside Khurram Shahzad, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi. 

Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed will lead Pakistan's spin attack, as the hosts haven't named a second specialist spinner in their squad. 

Several players, who are in the Test squad, will also feature in Pakistan Shaheens' first four-day match against Bangladesh A. 

Shakeel will lead the Shaheens, with Naseem, Ghulam, Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Huraira, Saim Ayub and Sarfaraz Ahmed representing the side in the red-ball fixture. 

Pakistan's Test squad for Bangladesh series

Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Shaheen Shah Afridi

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