Islamabad [Pakistan], May 21: Pakistan have announced a 16-player squad for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, marking the beginning of Mike Hesson’s tenure as head coach. This series will be his first official assignment with the national team, as confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
In a surprising move, former captain Babar Azam, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, and pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi have been excluded from the squad. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that the selection was based on player performances during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season.
The T20I squad will be led by Salman Ali Agha, with Shadab Khan named as vice-captain. Key players such as Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah are included, while emerging talents like Hassan Nawaz and Muhammad Irfan Khan also feature.
Babar Azam’s absence comes amid ongoing fluctuations in his form and leadership role. After stepping down as captain in all formats following the 2023 ODI World Cup, Babar was reinstated as white-ball captain before the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, only to resign again after the tournament—his second resignation within a year.
The series will be held in Lahore, with dates to be announced soon by the PCB.
Pakistan T20I Squad vs Bangladesh:
Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub.