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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 16-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, starting from May 25, 2025, in Lahore. The squad features a mix of emerging talent and returning players, with several notable omissions that have raised eyebrows among fans and analysts.
Major names missing from the Pakistan squad
Former captain Babar Azam and experienced wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan have both been left out, signaling a shift in Pakistan’s approach as they focus on developing a younger core ahead of future ICC events. Also missing from the lineup are senior players like Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan, possibly being rested or rotated.
Fakhar Zaman returns, Faheem Ashraf recalled
Among the notable inclusions is the return of Fakhar Zaman, who has been recalled after recovering from injury. Sahibzada Farhan also returns to the squad after impressing with the bat in recent tournaments. All-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Hussain Talat have been recalled to add depth to the middle order and bowling attack.
Salman Ali Agha has been named as the captain of the T20I squad while star all-rounder Shadab Khan will be his deputy. In the absence of veterans Babar and Rizwan, the batting will hover around Fakhar and young talent Saim Ayub.
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The series, set entirely at the Gaddafi Stadium, comes just weeks after Pakistan suffered massive military setbacks in skirmishes with India.
Pakistan’s squad for the T20I series against Bangladesh:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), and Saim Ayub.
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