Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has recently disclosed the squads for the 'A' team's tour of Pakistan, where they will partake in two four-day matches and three one-day matches against Pakistan A. Separate squads have been designated for the two four-day matches and another for the one-day matches scheduled on August 23, 25, and 27.
This tour is of strategic importance as it precedes the national team's two-Test series in Pakistan. The first four-day match of the 'A' team's tour is particularly significant, offering an opportunity for some national team players to acclimatise to the conditions in Pakistan ahead of the Test series.
Reports indicate that experienced Test players Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim will feature in the first four-day match for the 'A' team. They will be joined by Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Nayeem Hasan, and Hasan Mahmud, all of whom are part of the national team. This match is set to commence in Islamabad on August 10.
Although the national team squad for the Pakistan Tests has not yet been announced, it is expected that at least six players from the first red-ball game will join the national team camp in Pakistan after the match.
In an unexpected move, Soumya Sarkar and Towhid Hridoy, typically known as white-ball players, have been included in the squad for the second four-day match, scheduled for August 17 in Islamabad. According to BCB chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu, these players are primarily intended for the one-dayers but will participate in the four-day matches if necessary. The second four-day game and the one-day players are expected to travel together, forming a delegation of 17 to 18 members.
The selection process for the 'A' team faced challenges due to several players recently completing their BCB HP red-ball assignments in Australia. Consequently, players like Soumya and Hridoy, who are not prioritised for red-ball games, may still play as they are already named in the one-day squad and will travel with the team.
Opener Anamul Haque, all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain, spinner Tanvir Islam, and pacer Tanzim Sakib are included in all squads for both red-ball and white-ball assignments. Additionally, all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin, wicket-keeper batter Jaker Ali Anik, opener Mohammad Naim, and Soumya are part of the squads for the second four-day match and the one-day phase of the tour.
Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain and off-spinner Sheikh Mahedi have been named solely in the one-day squad. With the national team announcement pending, the playing elevens for the 'A' team's second four-day match and one-day matches will gain more clarity and stability.
Meanwhile, Anamul Haque Bijoy will lead the Bangladesh A side in the upcoming four-day series against Pakistan A and Towhid Hridoy was named captain for the one-day series.
The Bangladesh A side will play two four-day and three one-day matches against the second string Pakistan side in the tour.
The 31-year-old Bijoy has appeared in just five Tests for Bangladesh but the opening batsman has a good first class record where he averages 44.
Hridoy, 23, has been a regular in the Bangladesh top-order in white ball cricket since he debuted in March 2023. He has 3024 runs in list A matches with a healthy average of 48.
The Bangladesh A squad will arrive in Pakistan on August 6. All of the matches will be held in Islamabad. The first four-day game is slated for August 10-13 while the second game is from August 17-20.
The three one-day matches are scheduled to be held on August 23, 25 and 27.
