DHAKA, May 3 (V7N) — The Pakistan national cricket team arrived in the capital today to compete in a high-stakes two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The series forms a critical part of the current ICC World Test Championship cycle, with both teams eager to climb the points table.

Led by captain Shan Masood, the 16-member Pakistan squad landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Cricket Stadium this morning.

Babar Azam's Delayed Arrival: The touring party is currently missing star batter Babar Azam. He is scheduled to join the team later today or early tomorrow after competing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final, which concludes tonight.

New Coaching Leadership: In a significant move, the Pakistan Cricket Board has appointed former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as the head coach for the Test format, tasking him with revitalizing the team's red-ball performance.

Pakistan has signaled a shift toward youth by including four uncapped players in their touring roster. These debut-hopefuls include:

Abdullah Fazal (Batter)

Azan Awais (Batter)

Amad Butt (All-rounder)

Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (Wicketkeeper-batter)

Series Schedule

The series will be played across two of Bangladesh's premier cricket venues:

First Test: Starts May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.

Second Test: Starts May 16 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Bangladesh, led by Nazmul Hossain Shanto, will be looking to capitalize on home conditions against a Pakistan side that features a blend of seasoned veterans like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan alongside their fresh recruits.

Pakistan Test Squad

Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

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