The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Sunday that Test fast bowler Mohammad Ali has been added to the Pakistan Shaheens’ squad for their upcoming tour of Darwin. The inclusion of Mohammad Ali, who becomes the 15th member of the squad, is expected to bolster the team’s bowling lineup as they prepare for a series of matches under the guidance of red-ball coach Jason Gillespie.
The training camp for Pakistan Shaheens is scheduled to take place in Karachi from July 8 to 13, offering the players an opportunity to fine-tune their skills and strategies before heading to Darwin. The tour includes two four-day matches against Bangladesh ‘A’, two 50-over matches against Northern Territory and Bangladesh, and participation in the nine-team Top End T20 Series. These matches are crucial for the development of the players, providing them with valuable international experience and exposure.
Mohammad Ali’s addition to the squad is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the bowling attack. Ali has demonstrated his prowess in the longer format of the game, and his experience is expected to be an asset to the team. The tour will not only test the players’ abilities but also their adaptability and resilience in different playing conditions.
Jason Gillespie, who is supervising the Pakistan Shaheens’ training camp, will also travel with the team to Darwin as the head coach for the red-ball matches. Gillespie’s involvement is significant, given his extensive experience as both a player and a coach. His expertise is expected to play a pivotal role in preparing the team for the challenges ahead. Gillespie will return to Pakistan after the second four-day match against Bangladesh ‘A’ on July 29 to resume his responsibilities as the national side’s head coach, focusing on the preparations for the two-Test series against Bangladesh.
The pre-season fitness and fielding camp, which is an integral part of the team’s preparation, will be supervised by Mohammad Masroor. Masroor, who will also travel to Darwin as Assistant Coach-cum-Manager, is known for his rigorous training regimes and his ability to enhance the players’ physical and fielding capabilities. His role is crucial in ensuring that the players are in peak condition and ready to perform at their best.
Abdul Rehman will join the Pakistan Shaheens side on July 28 as the head coach for the white-ball matches. His arrival will coincide with the transition from red-ball to white-ball cricket, marking a shift in the team’s focus and strategies. Rehman’s experience in white-ball cricket will be invaluable as the team prepares for the two 50-over matches and the Top End T20 Series scheduled from August 4 to 18.
The Pakistan Shaheens squad for the Darwin tour includes a mix of experienced players and promising young talent. The squad comprises Haseebullah, Hunain Shah, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Huraira, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir, Umar Amin, and Mohammad Ali. The captain of the squad will be confirmed in due course, adding to the anticipation surrounding the tour.
The player support personnel accompanying the squad include Jason Gillespie (head coach for red-ball matches), Abdul Rehman (head coach for white-ball matches), Mohammad Masroor (Assistant Coach-cum-Manager), Mohammad Asad (physiotherapist), Imranullah (trainer), and Usman Hashmi (analyst). Their roles are critical in ensuring that the players receive the best possible support, both on and off the field.
The schedule for the tour in Darwin is as follows:
- July 14: Arrival in Darwin
- July 19-22: First four-day match against Bangladesh ‘A’
- July 26-29: Second four-day match against Bangladesh ‘A’
- August 4: 50-over match against Northern Territory
- August 6: 50-over match against Bangladesh ‘A’
- August 9-18: Nine-team Top End T20 Series
This tour presents an exciting opportunity for the Pakistan Shaheens to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience. With strong support from the coaching staff and a well-balanced squad, the team is poised to make a significant impact in Darwin. The inclusion of Mohammad Ali and the strategic planning by the PCB reflect a commitment to nurturing young talent and enhancing the team’s competitive edge.
