Pakistan Names T20I Squad for Bangladesh Series
Pakistan has announced its 16-member T20 International squad for the upcoming three-match home series against Bangladesh, with a surprising omission of some of its most prominent cricketing names. Senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been rested from the squad, indicating a strategic rotation policy ahead of a busy international schedule.
The squad selection has been influenced heavily by recent performances in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), with selectors focusing on current form and fitness. In a move to build depth in the roster, the selectors have handed leadership responsibilities to Salman Ali Agha, who will captain the side, with experienced all-rounder Shadab Khan appointed as vice-captain.
Saim Ayub makes a return to the national setup after recovering from an ankle injury suffered during the tour of South Africa earlier this year. His recent showing in the PSL helped him secure a spot back in the squad.
Sahibzada Farhan Returns to T20I Fold
Sahibzada Farhan’s inclusion marks his comeback to Pakistan’s T20I setup after a gap of nearly six years. The top-order batter has been one of the standout performers in this PSL season, scoring 394 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 154.50, placing him among the league’s top scorers. His consistent performance earned him a deserved recall.
The Bangladesh series will also serve as the first assignment for newly appointed head coach Mike Hesson, who is expected to oversee a transitional phase in Pakistan cricket. The schedule for the series is yet to be formally announced.
Full Pakistan T20I Squad
- Salman Ali Agha (c)
- Shadab Khan (vc)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Hassan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Haris
- Mohammad Wasim Jnr
- Muhammad Irfan Khan
- Naseem Shah
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
This selection reflects the PCB’s intent to balance experience with youth, resting key stars to manage workloads while giving emerging talents a chance to make their mark. The upcoming matches will be closely watched as Pakistan tests the depth of its bench under a new coaching regime.
