Islamabad: In a strategic shift towards an all-pace bowling attack, Pakistan’s selectors have released wrist spinner Abrar Ahmed from the Test squad. He will join the Pakistan Shaheens for their upcoming four-day match against Bangladesh ‘A’. Similarly, uncapped batter Kamran Ghulam has also been moved to the Shaheens side and will lead the team in the same match.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the changes come as Pakistan prepares for the first ICC World Test Championship match against Bangladesh, scheduled at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. By playing in the Shaheens match starting Tuesday at the Islamabad Club, Abrar and Ghulam will remain in form for the second Test in Karachi. The Pakistan Test squad will revert to its original 17-player composition following the conclusion of the second four-day match when both players rejoin the team.

The shift also includes promotions from the Pakistan Shaheens to the Test side, including Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Saud Shakeel, as Mohammad Rameez Jnr misses out. These transitions aim to balance experience and match readiness across formats as the national team gears up for critical fixtures.