PCB will put the Pakistani players through a battery of tough fitness tests prior to the unpredictable Bangladesh series

Two four-day matches and three fifty-over games against the Pakistan Shaheens were planned for the Bangladesh A team’s visit to Pakistan. Nevertheless, several matches have been cancelled because of internal unrest.

Although Bangladesh’s participation in the upcoming two-match Test series remains questionable, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to carry out a number of demanding fitness tests for players who are centrally contracted as well as prospective participants.

For those who are unaware, political turmoil is now affecting a significant portion of Bangladesh, creating doubt as to whether they will play host to the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which is set to begin on October 3, or fly to Pakistan for the series that begins on August 21.

The PCB plans to move forward with fitness evaluations in spite of these obstacles. Players are expected to gather on August 9 to participate in five or six rigorous fitness tests, according to Geo News. Pakistan Cricket released a directive last month after their elimination from the T20 World Cup, stating that fitness would be given equal weight in the selection process as batting or bowling performance.

The PCB states that the fitness evaluations are quite crucial. Central contracts are currently being withheld by the PCB until these evaluations are being conducted. In the event that the players under contract don’t live up to the expectations, their contracts might not be extended.

The initial schedule was for Bangladesh to play Pakistan in two Tests, one in Karachi and the other in Rawalpindi. These plans have now been put on hold, though, so it’s still unclear how things will turn up. The choices made by both boards will determine how things develop in the future.

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If the series is called off, there will be a long wait before either team’s next overseas match. While Bangladesh will visit India for a two-match Test series in September, followed by a three-match Twenty20 International series, Pakistan is slated to trip England for a three-match Test series in October.