Heavy rain has delayed the toss for the second and final Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, casting doubt on the start of play on Friday.
Both teams remained in their hotel as the umpires awaited a break in the weather to inspect the field conditions.
This delay adds pressure on Pakistan, who are eager to level the two-match series after suffering a 10-wicket loss in the first Test, also held in Rawalpindi, last Sunday. The victory was Bangladesh’s first in 14 Test matches against Pakistan.
In a notable decision, Pakistan has rested pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi from the 12-member squad, allowing him to spend time with his newborn son.
Pakistan’s red-ball coach Jason Gillespie explained, “Shaheen Afridi has been playing across all three formats, and with the recent birth of his son, the team management felt it was important for him to have time with his family.”
Afridi had a challenging performance in the first Test, taking only two wickets in the first innings.
Pakistan is determined to bounce back in this second Test, seeking to avoid a series defeat against Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s Squad for the Second Test: Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad.