The much-anticipated first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been delayed due to a wet outfield at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The delay was caused by overnight rain that left the playing surface unfit for the scheduled toss on Wednesday morning.

This match marks the beginning of a two-match series as part of the third cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) for 2023-2025, involving nine competing teams. The Pakistan side, led by Shan Masood, is set to face off against Bangladesh, captained by Najmul Hossain Shanto.

With Pakistan currently sitting at sixth and Bangladesh at eighth in the ICC Test rankings, both teams are eager to capitalize on this series to improve their standings in the WTC points table. Historically, Pakistan has dominated this fixture, winning 12 out of the 13 matches played between the two teams, with only one ending in a draw.

The match officials, Umpires Richard Kettleborough of England and Adrian Holdstock of South Africa, have scheduled another inspection of the ground at 1 PM. The outcome of this inspection will determine if play can begin later in the day.

The second Test of the series is also set to be played in Rawalpindi, starting on August 30, after being relocated from Karachi due to ongoing construction at the National Stadium.

Both teams will be eager to get the series underway, as they seek to secure valuable points in their quest for a strong finish in the WTC standings.