Rawalpindi, Aug 29: After their humiliating 10 wickets loss against Bangladesh in the First Test, Pakistan have left out off-colour pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi from the 12-member squad for the Second Test.
During the pre-match press interaction on Thursday, Pakistan Head Coach Jason Gillespie clarified that Shaheen understands the "situation" and the break will give him quality time with his family. He is expected to come back stronger as Pakistan have a busy schedule ahead, Gillespie's statement implied.
Owing to a knee injury, Shaheen has played only six Tests since July 2022. He was also rested for the final Test against Australia in Sydney during January year.
Najmul Hossain Shanto led Bangladesh have won the first Test of the two-match series by 10 wickets. The second Test will also be held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, here from Friday.
Pakistan Squad:
Shan Masood (Captain), Saud Shakeel (Vice Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha.
Bangladesh squad:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed.
