The second and final Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan will be held in Sylhet as originally scheduled, ending recent speculation over a possible change of venue. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the decision in an official statement issued on Tuesday.
Although the venue has now been finalised, concerns remain regarding the weather conditions expected during the match period. The BCB acknowledged the possibility of adverse weather but confirmed that the fixture would still proceed at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
According to weather forecasting service AccuWeather, there is a likelihood of thunderstorms and rain on all five days of the Test. The match is scheduled to take place from 16 to 20 May. Persistent rain or thunderstorms could affect playing hours and ground conditions during the contest.
Despite the weather concerns, the BCB has maintained its original arrangements for the series-deciding fixture. No alternative venue has been announced, and preparations in Sylhet are continuing as planned.
On the same day, the BCB also announced Bangladesh’s squad for the second Test. The selectors have retained the same group of players that featured in the opening Test, making no changes to the side for the final match of the series.
Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue to captain the side, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz remains vice-captain. The squad includes a combination of specialist batters, spin bowlers and pace bowlers similar to the one selected for the first Test.
Bangladesh Squad for Second Test
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Captain | Najmul Hossain Shanto |
| Vice-captain | Mehidy Hasan Miraz |
| Batters | Tanzid Hasan, Amit Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das |
| Spin bowlers | Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan |
| Pace bowlers | Ebadot Hossain, Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam |
The decision to keep an unchanged squad suggests that the team management remains satisfied with the balance of the side from the opening Test. Bangladesh’s pace and spin departments both retain the same personnel, while the batting unit also remains intact for the concluding match.
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium has hosted international fixtures in previous years and is one of Bangladesh’s recognised Test venues. However, the primary concern ahead of the match remains the weather forecast, with thunderstorms and rain predicted throughout the scheduled five-day period.
The second Test is expected to begin on 16 May, with both teams preparing for the final match of the series under potentially challenging weather conditions.