In a shocking squad selection, Pakistan have announced a renewed, yet inexperienced 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, with several senior stars missing out once again. According to a report, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is convinced about the line-up announced on July 8 (Tuesday) in Lahore, while the squad formation for an upcoming series against West Indies is underway.
The fans see it as a terrific change as former skipper Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and fast-bowling speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi have been excluded from the squad for the second successive T20I assignment, signaling a consistent shift towards experimentation and squad rotation ahead of the next ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2026. In addition, Pakistan’s coach, Mike Hesson, had advised the renowned trio to prepare for ODIs and Test matches, emphasizing their importance in the World Test Championship and the longer format of the white-ball game.
The series is set to be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from 20 to 24 July, under the leadership of middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha, who retains the captaincy after guiding Pakistan to a 3-0 home sweep over Bangladesh earlier this year in May.
Pace sensation Haris Rauf is also unavailable due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain sustained in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025, while vice-captain Shadab Khan will also be off the ground as he continues his recovery following shoulder surgery. On top of that, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr. remain sidelined with injuries, and Hasan Ali has been left out due to county cricket commitments in England despite impressive recent form.
With due diligence, emerging fast bowlers Ahmed Daniyal and Salman Mirza have received maiden call-ups, while experienced campaigners Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Nawaz return to the T20I set-up.
Pakistan Squad for T20I Series against Bangladesh
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Sufyan Moqim
The team will assemble in Dhaka on 16 July, with the matches scheduled for 20, 22, and 24 July. After facing Bangladesh, Pakistan’s next assignment is to take on West Indies. Whether the same squad will continue for the white-ball matches against West Indies will be confirmed soon after the official announcement.
Match Schedule
- 1st T20I: 20 July – Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
- 2nd T20I: 22 July – Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
- 3rd T20I: 24 July – Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
The latest squad announcement confirms Pakistan is leaning towards extending opportunities to younger players, even as the absence of Babar Azam, Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi continues to generate debate about the team’s evolving leadership and selection strategy.
