Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan for a two-Test series this week has been overshadowed by the political turmoil gripping the country. The team’s preparations have been severely disrupted, with foreign coaches forced to remain indoors due to safety concerns and widespread protests hindering practice sessions. The situation has also cast uncertainty over the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) after its president, Nazmul Hassan, fled the country due to his association with the ousted prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.
The political climate in Bangladesh has deeply impacted the team’s ability to prepare for the series. With foreign coaches confined to their residences following advisories from their embassies, the team was unable to gather for practice. While the interim government has allowed ace allrounder Shakib Al Hasan, a member of Hasina’s party and the now-dissolved parliament, to participate in the series, the team’s overall readiness remains a concern.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has offered a reprieve by inviting the Bangladeshi team to arrive four days early to make up for the lost preparation time. A second-string Bangladesh team, featuring six players from the national side, has already been playing practice matches in Islamabad since August 10. Adding to Bangladesh’s woes, in-form opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy has been ruled out of the first Test due to a groin strain. However, senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim is expected to recover from a finger injury in time for the series.
Bangladesh will be hoping to break their losing streak against Pakistan, having lost 12 out of the 13 Tests with only one draw. The two-match Test series is part of the World Test Championship’s third cycle, with Pakistan currently sixth and Bangladesh eighth in the nine-team table. The series will be played in Rawalpindi, with the first Test starting on August 26 and the second on August 30. The venue change to Rawalpindi is due to ongoing construction work at the Karachi stadium.
Pakistan, coming off a 3-0 victory over Australia earlier this year, has appointed former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie as their Test coach and Adelaide groundsman Damien Hough to improve the standard of pitches. The team will be deploying an all-pace attack for the first time in five years, opting for a strategy last used against Sri Lanka at the same venue. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will rely on their spin bowlers, including Shakib Al Hasan (237 wickets), Taijul Islam (195), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (164).
Pakistan captain Shan Masood has expressed confidence in his team’s preparedness, stating that they expect all international Test sides to come well-prepared. He recognizes Bangladesh’s quality players across all departments and acknowledges the challenges they pose. Masood is also hopeful that the new coaching staff will guide the team to improvement and a place among the world’s top sides.
Despite the turmoil in Bangladesh and the disruption to their preparations, the upcoming series promises a clash of styles and a test of resilience for both teams. With the World Test Championship points at stake and the opportunity for a turnaround, the series will be keenly watched by fans and analysts alike.
