Dissatisfaction with Hasina's leadership led to her resignation and the establishment of an interim government. This political situation has resulted in a series of protests in which more than 500 people have lost their lives due to clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The national cricket team has seen its preparations seriously affected by these issues. 

The political upheaval has led to the foreign coaches of the Bangladesh squad being confined to their accommodation, strictly following travel advisories from their embassies. Widespread protests have further impeded the team’s ability to conduct practice sessions, complicating their readiness for the matches. 

Adding to these challenges, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is in a state of disarray. The board’s president, Nazmul Hassan, fled the country due to his connections with the ousted Hasina administration, creating further uncertainty within the cricketing governance. 

Although cricket and politics are deeply intertwined in Bangladesh, star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan —who previously served in Hasina’s parliament— has been granted permission by the interim government to participate in the series in Pakistan. Mushtaq Ahmed, Bangladesh’s spin bowling coach, highlighted the difficulties faced. "Due to the current situation, practising was not feasible," he told reporters. 

To alleviate the impact of their disrupted preparation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has invited Bangladesh to arrive four days earlier than originally planned. This gesture aims to offer some relief to the team, who have faced significant challenges in their training. 

Additionally, a secondary Bangladesh squad, including six national team players, has been engaged in practice matches in Islamabad since 10 August. However, the team has been hit by the news that in-form opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy will miss the first Test due to a groin injury. On a positive note, senior batsman Mushfiqur Rahim is expected to recover in time from a finger injury. 

Bangladesh is eager to improve their record against Pakistan, having won only one of the 13 Tests played between the two nations, with Pakistan securing 12 victories and one draw. This series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship in cricket, with Pakistan currently in sixth place and Bangladesh in eighth in the standings. The second Test, originally scheduled for Karachi, has been relocated to Rawalpindi due to construction work at the Karachi stadium and is set to begin on 30 August.

In response to a heavy 3-0 defeat in Australia earlier this year, Pakistan has made significant changes, including appointing former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie as Test coach and hiring Adelaide groundsman Damien Hough to enhance pitch conditions. Notably, Pakistan will field an all-pace attack in this series, having released their sole spinner, Abrar Ahmed, an approach last used against Sri Lanka five years ago. 

In contrast, Bangladesh will rely heavily on their spin bowlers, with Shakib Al Hasan, Taijul Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz all included in the squad. Despite the challenges, Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood remains confident in his team’s preparedness. 

"You expect all international Test sides to come into a series well-prepared and aiming to play their best cricket," Masood told AFP. He acknowledged the quality of Bangladesh’s players and expressed respect for the challenges they present. Masood also expressed optimism about the improvements under the new coaching team. "We are excited to see how the coaches help us improve as cricketers and, most importantly, to be among the top teams in the world," he concluded.