Karachi, Lahore ‘unlikely’ to host Pakistan-Bangladesh Test matches

According to local media reports, Karachi and Lahore are unlikely to host the upcoming matches of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Test series scheduled for August due to ongoing renovation work ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy next year.

Pakistan is set to host a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, and discussions are underway to finalize the venues. Rawalpindi and Multan have been mentioned as potential hosts for the matches, as per the reports.

Both cricket boards are currently in discussions regarding the venues and the schedule for the series, which is expected to be finalized in the coming days.

Earlier reports from Geo News indicated that discussions have begun among Test captain Shan Masood, head coach Jason Gillespie, and the selection committee regarding Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

There is a possibility that key players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi might be rested for the Test matches against Bangladesh. Meanwhile, players such as Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Ali Agha, and Sarfaraz Ahmed are being considered for inclusion in the squad.

In the fast bowling department, players like Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Mir Hamza, Khurram Shahzad, and Aamir Jamal are under consideration for selection.

This series will mark Jason Gillespie’s first assignment as head coach of the Pakistan Test team since his appointment in April, and Shan Masood’s second stint as captain, having previously led the team in a series against Australia.

Currently, Shan Masood is playing for Yorkshire County Cricket Club in the County Championship.

Pakistan recently exited the ongoing T20 World Cup in the initial group stage, while Bangladesh has progressed to the Super 8 stage of the tournament.