Pakistan have released Aamir Jamal from their squad for the upcoming Bangladesh Test series due to a fitness concern.

Jamal was originally included in the squad pending a fitness clearance with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), asking him to focus on his recovery at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. However, two days before the first Test, the board issued a statement saying the fast-bowling all-rounder had been released owing to a back injury.

Jamal picked up the injury during his county stint with Warwickshire in April. He took a solitary wicket in his two county appearances and had a mediocre outing in the Blast, going for 25 runs in a wicketless over and scoring a duck.

Previously Pakistan also let go of wrist-spinner Abrar Ahmed and uncapped batter Kamran Ghulam to field an all-pace attack for the first Test. Instead, the duo will play the unofficial second Test for Pakistan Shaheens against Bangladesh A, starting August 20.

They might feature a comeback for the next match, also scheduled in Rawalpindi due to the renovation work for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Karachi, the original venue for the second Test. The match was supposed to be played without spectators but later the PCB confirmed the venue change.

Jamal’s career trajectory is a story in itself. Seven years ago, he was a cabbie in Australia, where he made his Test debut in December of last year. He led Pakistan’s pace attack, taking 18 wickets in three matches at an average of 20.44, making sure his team took the fight to the opposition. He also scored a quickfire 82 in that series, indicating he can be a viable lower-order batting option for the team. However, for now, Jamal has to wait to build on the start he got to his short but eventful career.

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