Pakistani leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed has set his sights high, aiming to become Pakistan’s primary spin bowling weapon ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, beginning on August 21st in Rawalpindi. Despite being part of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, Abrar did not feature in any matches. His last international appearance was a Test match against Sri Lanka in Colombo in July 2023.
The upcoming series against Bangladesh represents a critical opportunity for Abrar to solidify his position within the Test squad. During a press conference on Thursday, Abrar expressed his determination, stating, “I am trying to become the main spinner of the team.” He hinted at the possibility of unveiling new deliveries, adding, “In terms of deliveries, I try to do something different, and it could reflect in the upcoming games.”
Abrar’s international career has been relatively brief so far. The series against Bangladesh holds immense significance as a platform for him to impress the national selectors and secure a place in Pakistan’s squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan. While acknowledging the importance of the Champions Trophy, Abrar emphasized his focus on consistent performance, saying, “It is up to team management whether I play in the Champions Trophy or not. On my end, I have to work hard.”
The second Test match of the series, scheduled from August 30th to September 3rd in Karachi, will be played without spectators. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) attributed this decision to ongoing renovations at Karachi’s National Stadium.
Abrar’s performance in the upcoming series will be under intense scrutiny. His ability to translate his domestic success to the international stage and establish himself as a dependable spin option will be crucial for Pakistan’s bowling attack. The series against Bangladesh provides a platform for Abrar to not only achieve personal milestones but also contribute significantly to Pakistan’s success in the longest format of the game.
