Pakistan squad Bangladesh T20s big names out

Pakistan has announced a fresh 16-player squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, notably leaving out some of their biggest stars. Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, who have been pillars of the team, are all rested for this series. This bold move reflects the selectors’ focus on current form, especially performances in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL).

New leadership and exciting returns

Salman Ali Agha takes the captaincy role, with Shadab Khan as his deputy, signaling a new leadership era. Fans will see the return of key players like Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, adding experience and firepower. Saim Ayub is back from injury, ready to make an impact after recovering from an ankle issue suffered during the South Africa tour.

PSL stars earning their chance

The squad also features Sahibzada Farhan, the top PSL run-scorer this season. Farhan, who last played a T20I in 2018, has impressed with 394 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 154.50. His recall adds an exciting dimension to Pakistan’s batting lineup. This series will be the first under new coach Mike Hesson, raising expectations for fresh strategies and team dynamics.

Series details and changes

The T20I series against Bangladesh kicks off on May 28, with matches scheduled for May 30 and June 1, all at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Initially planned as three ODIs and three T20Is, the schedule was revised multiple times — eventually settling on three T20Is only.

For Cricket Army followers, this series is a chance to spot rising stars and witness Pakistan’s new look in action. Stay tuned with Cricket Army for the latest squad updates and live coverage. For more details, visit the official Pakistan Cricket Board website.