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From May 28 to June 1, 2025, all eyes will be on Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium as Pakistan host Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series. This tour is not just a bilateral contest, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in both nations’ T20 evolution, with the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 looming in the near future.
What scheduled as a comprehensive tour with three ODIs and three T20Is, was first restructured into a five-match T20I-only affair, and has now finally been compressed into a tightly scheduled three-match T20I series, entirely at one venue, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. This reshuffling reflects logistical constraints but also emphasizes focus and clarity, as both cricket boards aim to fine-tune their white-ball squads without distraction.
Pakistan’s absences reflect a phase of transition focused on form
For Pakistan, the absence of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi is the most glaring shift. While initially it may appear to be simple rotation or rest, the exclusion of all three simultaneously from a home T20I series strongly indicates a broader strategy of long-term restructuring.
The management, under the newly appointed white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, seems intent on developing a player pool driven by domestic T20 performance rather than international seniority. Players like Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub, who earned their spots through consistent Pakistan Super League (PSL) form, are expected to take on not only run-scoring responsibility but also leadership in game scenarios. Similarly, the bowling attack led by Hasan Ali and Naseem Shah highlights the blend of experience with aggression, a crucial mix when preparing for subcontinental conditions ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Bangladesh’s injuries and withdrawals could disrupt balance
On the other hand, Bangladesh faces its own set of absentees, though most of theirs stem from injuries, rest, or player withdrawals. The unavailability of strike bowler Taskin Ahmed due to injury and the absence of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who has been rested, deprive the team of vital experience and balance. Meanwhile, Nahid Rana’s withdrawal due to personal safety concerns thins the pace arsenal even further.
These missing names will undoubtedly influence Litton Das‘ strategies as he embarks on his first assignment as Bangladesh’s full-time T20I captain. The squad now leans heavily on Litton and the promising Tanzim Hasan Sakib to fill the voids. While the absentees do create challenges, they also open up opportunities for fringe players like Rishad Hossain and Shamim Hossain to present their case ahead of the World Cup cycle.
Top 5 players to watch out for in the PAK vs BAN T20I series
1. Shadab Khan
- Role: Vice captain, all-rounder (Leg-spin + Middle-order batting)
As vice-captain and senior-most cricketer, Shadab Khan’s role extends far beyond his all-round abilities. His every decision, bowling changes, field placements, batting order reshuffles, will set the tone for Pakistan’s future white-ball identity. From a skills perspective, his accurate wrist-spin in middle overs is vital on subcontinent pitches, especially against players like Hridoy and Litton. With the bat, he often plays the rescue act or explosive finisher’s role. His form with both bat and ball, combined with how he handles a young, restructured team, could decide the outcome of the entire series.
2. Naseem Shah
- Role: Fast Bowler
Hungry to regain his place as Pakistan’s pace spearhead, Naseem Shah‘s inclusion bolsters the bowling attack’s threat level. Known for his sharp seam movement and ability to bowl with sustained aggression, Naseem has the tools to disrupt Bangladesh’s powerplay plans. With Shaheen out, Naseem will likely dominate the battle of the new ball. He can swing it at high pace, execute pinpoint yorkers, and extract bounce even on slower tracks. Pakistan will depend on him for both early breakthroughs and death-overs discipline. His battle against Litton and Hridoy could become a defining contest of the series.
3. Saim Ayub
- Role: Left-Handed Top-Order Batter
In the absence of Babar and Rizwan, Saim Ayub is no longer the junior member in the top order, he is the fulcrum. A technically gifted southpaw with fluent strokeplay, Ayub is capable of launching attacks in the powerplay and playing spin efficiently in the middle overs. This series gives him the perfect platform to prove he can deliver under pressure. If he can score consistent runs while maintaining a high strike rate, it will help Pakistan build consistent T20I totals. With Sahibzada Farhan or Mohammad Haris likely partnering him, Ayub will set the tone for every match, and possibly for Pakistan’s next two years of T20 cricket.
4. Litton Das
- Role: Captain, Wicketkeeper-Batter
Taking charge for the first time as permanent T20I skipper, Litton is now the heartbeat of Bangladesh’s white-ball revival. He brings stability at the top, rapid scoring when needed, and calm leadership in pressure situations. A clean striker of the ball, Litton has developed the range to handle pace upfront and spin in the middle. More importantly, his strategic calls will be tested against Hesson’s fresh Pakistan and how he uses bowlers like Mustafizur and Tanzim Sakib, and how he manages the field under pressure, will define the contest. If he scores runs and leads efficiently, Bangladesh could punch above expectations.
5. Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Role: Fast Bowler
With Taskin sidelined, 21-year-old Tanzim Hasan becomes Bangladesh’s go-to pace option, and early signs are promising. His performance in the UAE series, where he generated steep bounce and subtle seam movement, earned him a permanent spot in this squad. Tanzim has the rare ability to bowl hard lengths with consistency and can also move the new ball both ways. On flat Lahore pitches, his variation, slower balls, and cutters will be key in containing Pakistan’s hitters. This series could be his coming-of-age moment if he leads Bangladesh’s pace department with accuracy and aggression.
Also READ: Mustafizur Rahman ruled out of the T20I series against Pakistan; replacement announced
