In a surprising move, Pakistan has dropped star players Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan for the upcoming three-match T20I series at home against Bangladesh. The new squad, announced on Wednesday, features several fresh faces and is seen as a step towards preparing for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
New Coach, New Captain
Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson will take charge of the Pakistan team for the first time, following his recent appointment as head coach. He replaces Aaqib Javed. The team will be captained by Salman Ali Agha, who will lead a youthful squad aiming to find new form and momentum.
PSL Form Key to Selection
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that player selections were based on performances in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), which ends on May 25. Notably:
- Shaheen Shah Afridi picked up 12 wickets in 10 games for Lahore Qalandars, with an economy rate of 8.20.
- Sahibzada Farhan, the top scorer in PSL 2025 so far with 394 runs, earned a recall.
- Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub return to the squad after missing the recent New Zealand tour due to injuries.
- Hasan Ali is back after a long injury layoff since May last year.
Babar and Rizwan Benched Again
Batting stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were not included for the second consecutive T20I series, reportedly due to criticism over their slow scoring rates in the shortest format.
T20I Series Delayed by Conflict
The series schedule is yet to be announced as the PSL faced a 10-day delay due to ongoing tensions from a deadly India-Pakistan conflict. However, all three matches will be played in Lahore, according to the PCB.
Pakistan Squad vs Bangladesh
Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub.
