Bangladesh Announces Test Squad for Pakistan Tour

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, which includes veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan despite concerns about his fitness for red-ball cricket. The team will travel to Pakistan on August 12 to acclimatize and train before the first Test, which begins on August 21 in Rawalpindi. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf emphasized the importance of experience in the squad, which combines over 216 matches among key players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque. Taskin Ahmed has been included but will only play in the second Test, as he has not bowled in a Test match since June last year. This tour is part of the ICC World Test Championship, and the second Test will be held in Karachi starting August 30. The backdrop of political turmoil in Bangladesh has added a layer of complexity to Shakib's inclusion, as he faces backlash following the recent upheaval in the country's leadership.