Spin wizard Saeed Ajmal has started a hectic finale to 2014 after ending his current spell with Worcestershire three weeks ago.
Pakistan are scheduled to play seven Tests, 11 One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals before the conclusion of the year against Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand respectively.
It explains why Saeed was unable to return to New Road for the finale of the campaign after taking 63 wickets in nine LV = County Championship appearances.
Pakistan began that busy period in the early hours of yesterday (Wednesday) with the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
By the close of the second day Sri Lanka were 99-1 in reply to Pakistan's 451 with Ajmal returning figures of 12-4-19-0.
Pakistan will play two Tests and three ODIs in Sri Lanka before enjoying a short break ahead of three months of cricket in the United Arab Emirates.
Saeed and Co tackle Australia in one T20, three ODIs and two Tests throughout October and early November.
Then only eight days after the conclusion of the second Test against Australia, they will start a three Test series against New Zealand followed by two T20s and five ODIs through to December 19.
Saeed has already indicated he wants to return to New Road next summer and, with Pakistan due to visit Zimbabwe in June, an early part of the season tie-up with Worcestershire appears to be the most likely scenario.
His two spells with Worcestershire have produced 80 wickets from 12 appearances in the LV = County Championship.
