Naveed Akram Cheema will replace Wahab Riaz as team manager

After a disappointing performance in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, where Men in Green, were knocked out in the group stage after defeats by debutant USA and arch-rivals India, the team is now focusing on the ICC World Test Championship. They are set to host a 2-match Test series against Bangladesh from August 21 to September 3, 2024. However, there are reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may announce a replacement for Wahab Riaz as team manager.

Naveed Akram Cheema is rumoured to be the likely candidate to replace Riaz, to improve discipline and performance within the team.

The decision to replace Wahab Riaz stems from his earlier sacking in July by the Mohsin Naqvi-led board. Riaz, who was appointed as a selector and senior team manager, faced criticism as the team failed to deliver results under his tenure. Reports of indiscipline within the team, including issues involving left-arm seamer Shaheen Afridi and the coaching staff, have also contributed to this decision.

Naveed Akram Cheema has prior experience managing the Pakistan team, having served during the tours of Australia and New Zealand from December 2023 to January 2024. He was replaced by Mansoor Rana afterwards, with Wahab Riaz taking over as senior team manager.

Squads:

Bangladesh Squad:

Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed

Pakistan Squad:

Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Aamir Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk) and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Bangladesh has already departed for Pakistan to participate in the two-match Test series. The first Test will be played on August 21 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, while the second Test will take place in Karachi.