Bangladesh is starting a two-Test series in Pakistan this week, but their preparations have been significantly hindered by the political chaos that has plagued the country.
Team’s foreign coaches remained confined to their accommodations due to the turmoil that resulted in prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s removal, abiding by their embassies’ warnings, as mass demonstrations prevented the team from gathering for training.
The composition of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is uncertain as president Nazmul Hassan left the country because of his ties to Hasina.
Cricket and politics are closely linked in Bangladesh, and Shakib Al Hasan, a skilled all-rounder who was a member of Hasina’s party in the parliament that has been dissolved, is permitted to participate in the Pakistan series by the current interim government.
“Due to the circumstances, practicing was not an option,” explained spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed to the press.
The tourists received some relief when the Pakistan Cricket Board invited them to come four days in advance to compensate for their lack of readiness.
Since August 10, a Bangladesh team made up of mostly secondary players, including six from the national team, has been participating in practice games in Islamabad.
Adding to the troubles in Bangladesh, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who is currently in good form as an opener, will not be able to play in the first Test due to a groin strain. However, it is likely that Mushfiqur Rahim, a senior batter, will be able to recover from a finger injury before the match.
Bangladesh will be aiming to change their winless streak against Pakistan, as they have lost 12 out of the 13 Tests, with only one ending in a draw.
The Test series consisting of two matches is included in the third cycle of the World Test Championship, where Pakistan ranks sixth out of nine teams and Bangladesh ranks eighth.
The second Test, which has been relocated to Rawalpindi due to ongoing construction at Karachi stadium, is scheduled to take place on August 30.
After being defeated 3-0 in Australia, Pakistan recruited ex-Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie as their Test coach, and hired Adelaide groundsman Damien Hough to enhance the quality of the pitches.
Pakistan will go into the Test match with an all-pace attack after letting go of their only spinner, Abrar Ahmed, a tactic they last employed against Sri Lanka at the same location five years ago.
In Bangladesh, the reliance will be on spin as Shakib (237 wickets), Taijul Islam (195), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (164) are all part of the team.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood denied that the Bangladesh team is not well-prepared.
He told AFP that he anticipates every international Test team to enter a series well-prepared and aiming to showcase their best cricket.
Bangladesh possesses skilled players in every aspect, and we have great respect for the obstacles they present to our team.
Masood is also optimistic about seeing progress from Pakistan with the new coach.
We are thrilled to witness how they (coaches) assist us in becoming improved individuals, better cricketers, and, most importantly, achieving a place among the top teams globally.
Selection of teams:
Pakistan’s team includes Shan Masood as captain, along with Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Hurraira, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Bangladesh: The team includes Najmul Hossain Shanto as captain, along with Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Shakib.
Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG) and Adrian Holdstock (RSA)
TV umpire: Michael Gough (ENG)
Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)