Bangladesh are yet to win a Test against Pakistan. The Tigers have played 13 matches against Pakistan and have lost 12, managing to draw a solitary match at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna in 2015.

Bangladesh will be out to prove a point against Pakistan with an eye on improving on their past performances as the first match of the two-Test series against the hosts commences in Rawalpindi today.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hoped that ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan would do something special in the upcoming Test series against Pakistan and believed that the ongoing situation at home would not have any bearing on his performance.

Bangladesh begin a two-Test series in Pakistan this week with their preparations severely hampered by the political turmoil that has wracked the country.

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha feels that his side is ready to face any challenge thrown at them by their Pakistani counterparts in the first Test of the two-match series set to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, starting Wednesday.

"Bangladesh is a side that has quality players in all departments and we highly respect the challenges they bring as a side to us," said Shan Masood.

Pakistan have released right-arm fast bowler Aamir Jamal from the Test squad ahead of the series against Bangladesh as the pacer has yet to fully recover from his injury.

“I didn’t bat [in second innings] because of my injury. I got hurt while batting in the nets. Hopefully, I will recover quickly and play the first Test,” the 37-year-old said in a video sent to the media on Saturday.

“He [Joy] got hurt while fielding. It will take him about three weeks to recover,” said Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief physician Debashis Chowdhury.

The team for the Pakistan series is yet to be announced but a probable contingent of players were set to begin skill training under head coach Chandika Hathurusingha and other coaching staff on Sunday. But practice had to be cancelled due to the ongoing unrest.

In November 2023, Shaheen Afridi took over as the Pakistan T20I skipper after Babar Azam resigned following Pakistan’s poor run in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

The 49-year-old will start his two-year tenure with a two-match series against Bangladesh next month followed by three against England in October -- both at home.

BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury said: “We thank the PCB for confirming the schedule for Bangladesh's tour of Pakistan for the ICC World Test Championship matches. The series presents a significant test for us, but it is also a chance to showcase our progress in this format.”