Mirpur: Pakistan left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi has insisted he is ready for a tough Test campaign as he vows to maintain consistency and adapt to challenging conditions as he aims for a place in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 finals.
Speaking during a media conference, the 26-year-old pacer spoke candidly about the team’s mindset and preparation ahead of their upcoming Test assignments, underlining the importance of long-term planning and high standards.
“We are looking forward to the challenge of the Test series. Test matches are very important for us and this is a long Test season for us – maybe the first of its kind. We are fully prepared and ready to give our best,” Afridi said.
He explained that while home teams naturally enjoy an advantage, success in Test cricket ultimately depends on how well a side prepares and executes its plans.
“We are confident that the conditions will be good for us and we will play better cricket. Every team is strong in its own conditions but what matters is how well you prepare and execute,” he added.
The ODI captain also clarified that Pakistan’s ambitions extend beyond the immediate Test series. Consistency and strategic focus will be essential if the team is to reach the World Test Championship final, he stressed.
“We are not only focused on this Test series, we are also focused on the ICC World Test Championship. Our target is to reach the final and for that we have to keep playing our best cricket,” said Shaheen Afridi.
Turning his attention to the upcoming challenge against Bangladesh, Afridi acknowledged the opposition’s prowess on spin-friendly pitches but expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ability to tackle any surface.
“Bangladesh have done well on spin-friendly tracks in the past and each team uses home advantage. We have prepared accordingly – for spin conditions and green wickets – and we are ready for every challenge,” he concluded.
The first Test for non-studies will be held from May 8 to 12 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium and the second Test from May 16 to 20 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Experienced top-order batsman Shaun Masood will captain the Pakistan team, which consists of five players namely Abdullah Fazal, Amat Butt, Azan Awais and Muhammad Qazi Ghori.
Pakistan squad for Bangladesh series:
Shaun Masood (catch), Abdullah Fazal, Amat Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam ul Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Qazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Shaki Agha, Salman Ali.