Pakistan’s T20I Squad Faces New Challenges in Series Against Bangladesh
Pakistan is set to face a tough challenge in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled to take place from July 20 to 24 in Mirpur, Dhaka. The team will be led by Salman Ali Agha, who steps up as captain in the absence of key players such as all-rounder Shadab Khan and fast bowler Haris Rauf. This series marks the second assignment under white ball head coach Mike Hesson, with the squad size reduced by one compared to their previous T20I home series against Bangladesh in May.
In that earlier series, Pakistan secured a dominant 3-0 victory, showcasing their strength and dominance on home soil. Now, the focus is shifting towards identifying the best combination for next year’s T20 World Cup, which will be hosted in India and Sri Lanka. However, the current squad faces several challenges, particularly in terms of experience and depth across all departments.
Key Absences and Their Impact
Shadab Khan has been ruled out due to recent shoulder surgery, and he is currently undergoing rehabilitation. His absence is a significant blow to the team, as he has been a crucial all-rounder in the past. Similarly, Haris Rauf is sidelined due to a hamstring injury, which has also affected his participation in the San Francisco Unicorns’ MLC 2025 playoff matches. These two players are among the most dynamic in the squad, and their absence leaves a gap that needs to be filled.
Moreover, some of Pakistan’s former mainstays have been left out of the squad altogether. Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah are not part of the current lineup, raising questions about the team’s strategy and long-term planning.
Bowling Department: A Mix of Youth and Inexperience
The bowling department lacks the appetite for experience, with several young and relatively inexperienced players making their way into the squad. Medium pacer Ahmed Daniyal and left-arm quick Salman Mirza are still waiting for their first international cap, indicating that they may not yet be ready for high-pressure situations. Left-arm wristspinner Sufiyan Muqeem, though promising, has only played 10 T20Is so far, meaning he is still gaining valuable experience.
On the other hand, Hasan Nawaz, a top-order batter, made his debut earlier this year and has eight T20I appearances under his belt. While he brings a fresh perspective, his limited experience could be a concern in critical moments. Abbas Afridi, a medium pacer, has more experience with 21 T20I appearances since bursting onto the international scene last year. His performances in Pakistan’s premier T20 tournament, the PSL, have been impressive, with 17 wickets in 11 innings while representing Karachi Kings.
Emerging Talent and Performance Highlights
Salman Mirza, another key player, finished with nine wickets from four matches while playing for Lahore Qalandars in the PSL. Meanwhile, Hasan Nawaz showcased his form in the tournament, ending as the third-highest run-scorer with 399 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 162.19. These performances highlight the potential of the younger generation, but it remains to be seen how they will adapt to international competition.
Pakistan’s T20I Squad for the Series Against Bangladesh
The final squad selected for the T20I series includes the following players:
- Salman Agha (captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Ahmed Daniyal
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Hassan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Abbas Afridi
- Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper)
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Mirza
- Sufiyan Muqeem
With this mix of youth and experience, the team will need to rely on its depth and adaptability to overcome the challenges posed by the absence of key players. The upcoming series will serve as an important test for the new combinations and will provide valuable insights for the team’s preparation for the T20 World Cup.
