The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the Pakistan T20 squad 2025 for the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh. This newly formed 15-member lineup reflects a strategic shift, as selectors aim to develop fresh talent ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2025. The series kicks off on July 20 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
Major Stars Left Out Again
Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi three of Pakistan’s most celebrated players have once again been dropped from the T20 squad. Their omission marks the second consecutive series without their presence, as selectors remain focused on experimenting with the team’s depth.
While Babar and Rizwan have come under criticism for their low strike rates in T20 cricket, Shaheen’s recent inconsistency has also raised concerns. Despite finishing as the top wicket-taker in the Pakistan Super League earlier this year, the left-arm pacer hasn’t been able to translate that form consistently on the international stage.
Neither Babar nor Rizwan has featured in T20 Internationals since the South Africa series last year, while Shaheen last represented Pakistan during the New Zealand tour.
Vice-Captain and Haris Rauf Out Due to Injury
Vice-captain Shadab Khan continues his recovery following shoulder surgery in England and remains unavailable. Meanwhile, speedster Haris Rauf is also sidelined after suffering a hamstring injury while playing in a T20 league in the United States.
These injuries leave a leadership vacuum and reduce Pakistan’s pace options. As a result, no vice-captain has been named, with Salman Ali Agha retaining the captaincy.
Debut Call-Ups: Ahmed Daniyal and Salman Mirza
To bolster the bowling unit, selectors have rewarded fast bowlers Ahmed Daniyal (28) and Salman Mirza (31) with national call-ups. Both pacers impressed in the Pakistan Super League with their pace, control, and ability to deliver under pressure. Their inclusion offers a glimpse into Pakistan’s future pace attack.
If all goes according to plan, both bowlers are set to make their T20I debuts in Dhaka.
Return of Experienced All-Rounders
All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz, who last played a T20I in January 2024, returns to the squad alongside Sufyan Muqeem, a left-arm spinner known for his variations. Their return adds balance and experience to a squad dominated by young talent.
Also included is middle-order batter Hussain Talat, who was part of the previous home series against Bangladesh. Though he last played a T20I in 2021 and has a modest record 394 runs and four wickets in 18 matches selectors seem keen to give him another opportunity to prove his worth.
Squad Composition and Youth-Focused Approach
The selectors appear committed to overhauling the squad with youth and emerging talent. Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, and Abrar Ahmed are among the young stars expected to showcase their skills.
Two wicketkeepers Mohammad Haris and Sahibzada Farhan have been named, giving Pakistan options behind the stumps.
Here is the full 15-member squad:
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, Sufyan Muqeem.
Unusual Squad Announcement Raises Eyebrows
In an unexpected move, the squad was announced not by the selection committee but by PCB’s Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Sayed and Media Director Amir Mir. This unconventional method raised questions, particularly since three out of the four members of the selection panel were in Lahore at the time.
Although committee member Aaqib Javed was present at the National Cricket Academy and both Azhar Ali and Aleem Dar live in the city, none attended the press conference. Their absence has sparked speculation about internal disagreements or administrative changes within the PCB.
The squad announcement also came abruptly, replacing a previously scheduled press event by the PCB’s domestic cricket department, leaving reporters scrambling for coverage.
Bangladesh Series: A Testing Ground for New Talent
The three-match series against Bangladesh will be held on July 20, 22, and 24 in Dhaka. It will serve as a key testing ground for new players vying for spots in the final T20 World Cup squad. The team will gather in Karachi for a training camp beginning Wednesday.
With Pakistan already building toward the global event in early 2025, the Bangladesh series carries extra weight. It’s not just about winning; it’s about experimentation, exposure, and identifying match-winners under pressure.
Bangladesh Series: A Platform for Talent
Pakistan will face Bangladesh on July 20, 22, and 24 in Dhaka. The team will assemble in Karachi for a training camp starting Wednesday. These matches are crucial for evaluating new talent ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Looking Ahead to the West Indies
After the Bangladesh series, Pakistan will play a white-ball series against the West Indies. The PCB will announce the squad for that tour later, depending on the form and fitness of current players.
A Generational Shift in Pakistan Cricket
The exclusion of seasoned players and inclusion of young talent indicate a strategic transformation. The focus now lies on improving strike rates, building depth, and fostering adaptability under pressure.
By relying on fearless, modern cricket, Pakistan aims to build a competitive side for the T20 World Cup 2025. However, the decision to sideline veterans like Babar and Rizwan carries risks if the newcomers don’t deliver.
