Bangladesh cricket team lands in Pakistan for Test series
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The Bangladesh men's cricket team has arrived in Pakistan to play a two-match Test series as part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.
The two Test matches will be played in Rawalpindi and Karachi. The first Test is set to begin on August 21 while the second match starts on August 30.
Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, the touring squad, travelling earlier than scheduled due to a political crisis in the country, landed in Lahore and will train at the Gaddafi Stadium from August 14-16 before travelling to Islamabad on August 17 for the first Test in Rawalpindi.
Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed has expressed his excitement and optimism as the team has departed for Pakistan for their scheduled two-match Test series.
Speaking to newsmen in Dhaka before their departure, Taskin expressed his joy about returning to Test cricket after an extended break and sought the nation's prayers for the team's success.
"I am very excited to return to Test cricket after a long time," Taskin stated. "Please pray that Allah keeps us healthy. Those who follow cricket may know about my shoulder issues, which have kept me away from Test cricket to ensure my shoulder remains healthy."
The pacer also discussed the team's aspirations for the upcoming series.
"Our aim is to win matches for the country in the longer format. InshaAllah, with Allah's help and your prayers, everything will be better. Our performance has improved, and we hope to make everyone happy with our efforts. Please keep us in your prayers," he concluded.
Pacer Taskin Ahmed joined the team at the airport. Taskin is set to play only one Test, a decision made by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to carefully manage his workload.
Pakistan Test Squad: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Shaheen Shah Afridi
Bangladesh Test Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumar Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed