The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced the national squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. The series is set to take place from July 20 to 24 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
According to the official press release from the board, Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the national side as captain in the T20I format. The Men’s National Selection Committee finalized the squad with a focus on the team’s strategic objectives and performance outlook for the Bangladesh series. The PCB also confirmed that the squad for the forthcoming white-ball series against the West Indies will be announced at a later date.
The selected squad features a mix of seasoned players and promising new talent. Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf are among the notable names retained from previous squads. The inclusion of two wicketkeepers, Mohammad Haris and Sahibzada Farhan, provides the team with tactical flexibility in both batting and glovework.
However, the squad sees the absence of injured all-rounder Shadab Khan and fast bowler Haris Rauf, who are currently sidelined due to fitness issues. Shadab, who served as vice-captain during Pakistan’s 3-0 home victory over Bangladesh last month, is recuperating in England after shoulder surgery. Rauf sustained a hamstring injury during a T20 League game in the United States on Sunday, while another pacer, Hasan Ali, is unavailable due to his commitments in county cricket in England.
Pakistan continues to rest former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, as well as pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi. Selectors have indicated their intention to experiment with new players in preparation for the upcoming World Cup. Azam and Rizwan last played in a T20I squad in South Africa last year, while Shaheen’s last T20I appearance was during the New Zealand tour in March this year. Pacers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim are also not included as they continue their recovery from injuries to regain full fitness.
These absences have paved the way for uncapped pacers Salman Mirza (31) and Ahmed Daniyal (28), both of whom performed commendably in this year’s Pakistan Super League. Spinning all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz makes a return to the squad, having last represented Pakistan in January 2024.
The team will be supported by a comprehensive management unit, led by manager Naveed Akram Cheema and head coach Mike Hesson. The coaching staff includes Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Muhammad Hanif Malik (batting coach), and Shane McDermott (fielding coach). Additional support staff members comprise a physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach, analyst, media and security managers, team doctor, and a masseur.
Squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza and Sufyan Moqim.
Team Management: Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Muhammad Hanif Malik (batting coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Irtaza Komail (security manager), Dr. Wajid Ali Rafai (doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur).
