Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalised the national T20 squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, with an official announcement expected soon after approval from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The three-match T20I series is scheduled to take place in Dhaka from July 20 to 24, 2025.
According to sources, there are no major changes expected in the squad, though a surprise inclusion is likely, with left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem tipped to be part of the touring party. The selectors, led by captain Salman Ali Agha and head coach Mike Hesson, have preferred young players in the lineup.
Veteran leg-spinner Shadab Khan will miss the series due to a shoulder injury, and sources suggest he might require surgery. Meanwhile, star players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi — who were rested for the previous home series against Bangladesh — remain out of the squad for now, with no immediate plans for their return.
Preparations for the series will begin with a training camp at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from July 7. Mike Hesson is expected to arrive in Pakistan on July 6 to oversee the camp. The team will depart for Bangladesh on July 16.
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After completing the Bangladesh tour, the squad is scheduled to fly to the United States, where three T20 matches are planned. PCB has also requested the West Indies Cricket Board to convert the scheduled ODI matches into T20s, though a final decision is still pending.
Bangladesh T20I Series Schedule:
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July 16: Pakistan team arrives in Dhaka
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July 20: 1st T20I at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka (6:00 pm local time)
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July 22: 2nd T20I
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July 24: 3rd T20I
The two teams last met in May, when Pakistan secured a 3-0 sweep at home. Pakistan posted identical totals of 201/6 in the first two matches, winning by 37 and 57 runs, respectively. In the final game, despite a strong batting effort from Bangladesh, including a half-century by Parvez Hossain Emon, Pakistan chased down 197 with ease thanks to a brilliant century by wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris.
