Pakistan will put on their white jersey after nearly eight months when they will face the Bangladesh team at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This will also be the first International fixture for the men in green ever since their shambolic T20 World Cup campaign in June. On top of all, this series is crucial for Pakistan to bag if they don’t want their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final to get quashed.
Pakistan’s new way to approach a new way
Although there has been a curfew-esque silence in Pakistan, reports have been sneaking out of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headquarters frequently. The fact that this calm could very well be the herald of a storm is making fans more curious as to how the Pakistan team will begin this seemingly new era, with a refreshed mindset. Shan Masood, the new Test captain of Pakistan who replaced Babar Azam as the leader after the ODI World Cup last year, has often hinted towards building a new brand and identity for Pakistan. A trailer of this pilot project was seen during Pakistan’s tour of Australia in December-January. But unlike other changes Pakistan cricket makes, this one has been rather slow. There has not been overhauling changes. The squad for Bangladesh is nearly the same as many people expected it to be. It might be too early to say this but the Pakistan team’s metamorphosis (if there is any) is taking place in an entirely metamorphosed way, to begin with.
Babar Azam and the Top-order of Pakistan
An indication of it is the reports that state Pakistan’s stalwart batter, Babar Azam, is unlikely to be moved to a new batting position. The right-handed batter has mostly been playing at number four for Pakistan since late 2022 and has averaged more than 55 at the position. For once, it’s a pleasant sight to see PCB not trying to fix what’s not broken.
Reports also have it that Abdullah Shafique, who many deem as the one for Pakistan’s future, will not be moved from his opening position. However, with Imam ul Haq not in the squad, the young Mohammad Huraira can be seen opening with Abdullah. Like the last piece of the puzzle, Shan will fit himself at number 3 to complete what looks like a decent top-order on paper.
Will Pakistan play the rookie spinner Abrar Ahmed?
Shan and management, however, have another nut to crack. Rawalpindi’s pitches have been notoriously belter in the last two Test series that were played on them. During the England series in 2022, especially, the deck offered absolutely no help to the bowlers. This time, though, the pitch is said to have a little more life in it. Reportedly, it will favor fast bowlers. As a result of which, Pakistan will field three fast bowlers, with one spinner. Abrar Ahmed, who has made a strong case for himself to be called Pakistan’s leading spinner, might be the lucky one to hop on the team. However, that would mean Pakistan will have to play without the all-round skills of Salman Ali Agha.
Answering one of the questions during a press conference at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, the young mystery spinner revealed he would leave that decision up to the management.
“My job is to work hard, the management has to decide whether to field me or not,” said Abrar.
He further added,
“I worked more on my mystery delivery and I aim to become the top spinner of the team,”
It would be interesting to see how much risk is Pakistan willing to take. Even more interesting would be to see if Pakistan will gracefully accept the loss, should the risk not fall right on the target. Pindi Cricket Stadium holds answer to all these unanswered and annoying questions.
