Rawalpindi: Pakistan Cricket has announced a major reshuffle in their leadership and squad as Saud Shakeel steps into the role of vice-captain for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, part of the ICC World Test Championship. The series, which will begin later this month, marks the first under new head coach Jason Gillespie.

According to International Cricket Council, the promotion of Saud Shakeel, who will be assisting captain Shan Masood, is one of the significant changes made by Pakistan’s selectors. This strategic shift comes as former vice-captain Shaheen Afridi sees a reduction in his playing schedule to manage his workload amidst a busy season ahead, which includes nine Tests, 14 T20Is, and at least 17 ODIs.

Pakistan has made several adjustments to their squad, notably excluding regular opener Imam-ul-Haq and injured players Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim Jnr. The team also welcomes back pacers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali, who return after lengthy absences, and introduces new batting talents Mohammad Huraira and Kamran Ghulam, both poised for their Test debuts following strong domestic performances.

The new-look 17-player squad will start the series in Rawalpindi on August 21, with the second Test scheduled in Karachi from August 30. Pakistan aims to improve its standing in the ICC World Test Championship, where they currently hold the fifth position, by securing positive results against Bangladesh.