Shakib Al Hasan has been cleared to join the Bangladesh national cricket team for an upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan, following the dissolution of the Parliament where he served as a member. Bangladesh's spin coach, Mushtaq Ahmed, praised Shakib for his mentorship and support of younger players, particularly those touring Pakistan for the first time. He emphasized that senior players, including Mushfiqur Rahim and Taskin Ahmed, are fostering a positive environment within the squad. Despite recent tensions with fellow senior player Tamim Iqbal, who was excluded from the World Cup squad, Shakib's leadership remains pivotal. Mushtaq described the current team as coachable, eager to learn, and capable of improvement, highlighting their solid quality and emerging fast bowlers. The team's historical struggle against Pakistan, having never won a Test match against them, poses a significant challenge as they prepare for the series.