Pakistan's Pace Attack Faces Setback Before Bangladesh Test Series

Pakistan's fast bowler Aamir Jamal has been released from the squad due to fitness issues, just before their Test series against Bangladesh. Jamal, who suffered a back injury, has been sent for rehabilitation. This leaves Pakistan with a 14-player squad, impacting their chances in the crucial series.

Pakistan's pace attack has taken a significant blow ahead of their two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home. Fast bowler Aamir Jamal has been released from the squad due to persistent fitness issues, which further complicates Pakistan's preparations for the crucial series. Jamal, 28, who suffered a back injury during County cricket in England earlier this year, was included in Pakistan's squad for the ICC World Test Championship series pending a fitness clearance. Unfortunately, Jamal has not fully recovered and is now undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

With Jamal out, Pakistan's squad for the Test series, starting on Wednesday, is now reduced to 14 players. This follows the earlier release of spinner Abrar Ahmed and top-order batter Kamran Ghulam over the weekend. Pakistan will field an all-pace attack led by left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi and the returning Naseem Shah, supported by Khurram Shehzad and Mir Hamza.

Jamal was being considered for a spot in the final XI after his impressive debut against Australia earlier this year. His injury postpones his chance to make a significant impact on the international stage. Pakistan's lineup for the Test series against Bangladesh will see stalwart batter Babar Azam batting at number four. Sources told Geo News that the opener position of Abdullah Shafiq is secure, while captain Shan Masood will bat at number three. Pakistan, currently sixth in the World Test Championship standings, aims to clinch the series against Bangladesh to boost their chances of reaching next year's final at Lord's.

Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Shaheen Afridi.