PAK vs BAN: Shaheen Afridi ruled out, Pakistan announce squad for 2nd Test

Squad Announcement

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 16-man squad for the second Test match against Bangladesh, starting on December 4 in Dhaka. The squad features several changes from the one that played in the first Test, with fast bowler Shaheen Afridi ruled out due to an abdominal strain.

Key Changes

* Shaheen Afridi ruled out with an abdominal strain * Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Salman Ali Agha called up as replacements * Hasan Ali and Naseem Shah retained in the squad

Squad List

The full squad for the second Test is as follows: * Babar Azam (c) * Abdullah Shafique * Imam-ul-Haq * Azhar Ali * Fawad Alam * Mohammad Rizwan (wk) * Faheem Ashraf * Hasan Ali * Nauman Ali * Sajid Khan * Mohammad Wasim Jr. * Naseem Shah * Salman Ali Agha * Zahid Mahmood * Mohammad Abbas * Haris Rauf

Afridi's Absence

Shaheen Afridi's absence is a major blow to Pakistan's hopes of leveling the series. The left-arm pacer is one of the most promising young fast bowlers in the world and his pace and swing would have been a handful for the Bangladesh batters.

Replacements

In Afridi's absence, Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Salman Ali Agha have been called up to the squad. Wasim is a right-arm fast bowler who has impressed in domestic cricket, while Agha is a left-arm spinner who has represented Pakistan in limited-overs formats.

Focus on Spin

With Afridi out, Pakistan is likely to rely more heavily on spin in the second Test. Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan are both experienced left-arm spinners, while Salman Ali Agha provides another spin option.

Match Preview

The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh is poised to be a closely fought contest. Bangladesh will be looking to build on their victory in the first Test, while Pakistan will be desperate to level the series. The match will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, starting on December 4.