Key points
- PSL star Hasan Nawaz set for middle-order role
- Injured Wasim Jr out, Abbas Afridi replaces for Bangladesh series
- Muqeem dropped despite form, Lahore conditions favour pacers: Salman
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has vowed to play an aggressive and modern brand of cricket in the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh, beginning 28 May at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Speaking to the media ahead of the opener, Salman emphasised a “fearless, not careless” mindset. He noted that attacking cricket is now the global trend, not limited to domestic teams like Islamabad United. “We aim to sustain our aggressive style for the long term,” he said.
Salman praised Bangladesh as a skilful and competitive side, calling Litton Das a key wicket they plan to target. He stressed that no international series is easy, acknowledging Bangladesh’s threat despite Pakistan’s dominant record—16 wins in 19 T20Is.
Significant changes have been made to the squad compared to the one that toured New Zealand, with eight new players included. Salman explained the reshuffle is part of preparations for the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka. The aim is to build a pool of 20–25 players to cover injuries and ensure strong backups.
Middle-order batsman
Emerging PSL star Hasan Nawaz, Player of the Tournament in PSL 10, will likely bat in the middle order rather than open, based on his recent form. Salman confirmed that team selection, including the final XI, is based on both international and PSL performances.
Fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jr has been ruled out of the series due to a side strain sustained during PSL 10. He will undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy. Abbas Afridi, who impressed in PSL 10 with 17 wickets, replaces him.
Left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem’s exclusion drew criticism on social media, especially after a solid tour of New Zealand. Salman clarified that Muqeem remains in the team’s long-term white-ball plans but was left out due to conditions in Lahore, which favour pacers.
The series will be played entirely at Gaddafi Stadium on 28 and 30 May, and 1 June.
Pakistan Squad
Salman Ali Agha (capt), Shadab Khan (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub.
