Bangladesh, Pakistan to Begin Test Series Amid Turmoil

Bangladesh's cricket team is set to face Pakistan in a two-match Test series beginning August 21 in Rawalpindi, amidst significant political unrest in Bangladesh that has disrupted their preparations. Team captain Mominul Haque has emphasized the necessity of focusing on the present rather than dwelling on past performances, highlighting the importance of adaptability in Test cricket. Meanwhile, the political turmoil has led to the Bangladesh Cricket Board's president fleeing the country, and foreign coaches adhering to safety advisories, impacting practice sessions. In terms of player availability, opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy is sidelined due to injury, while senior player Mushfiqur Rahim is expected to recover in time. Pakistan, currently ranked sixth in the ICC World Test Championship, aims to improve their standing after a disappointing prior series in Australia, while Bangladesh seeks to break a long-standing winless streak against them. Both matches of the series have been moved to Rawalpindi due to construction work in Karachi.