The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially unveiled its 15-player squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Bangladesh, set to commence on July 20 at the Shere-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
All-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been retained as the captain of the national T20I side, continuing in the leadership role following his recent performances. The team, however, will be without two of its key players — vice-captain Shadab Khan and pace spearhead Haris Rauf — both ruled out due to injuries.
Key Absences Due to Injury
Shadab Khan, who has been a mainstay in Pakistan’s white-ball setup, recently underwent successful shoulder surgery in the United Kingdom to address a long-standing issue with his right shoulder. His absence will be felt in both the bowling and leadership departments.
Haris Rauf, one of Pakistan’s fastest bowlers, picked up a Grade 1 hamstring injury during the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season while playing for the San Francisco Unicorns against the Texas Super Kings. The PCB medical panel has advised rest and rehabilitation, ruling him out of the Bangladesh tour.
New Inclusion: Salman Mirza Gets the Nod
In light of Rauf’s absence, fast bowler Salman Mirza has been called up to the national squad. The young pacer turned heads during the 2025 HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he represented Lahore Qalandars and delivered standout performances — taking 9 wickets in just 4 matches at an average of 15.00 and an economy rate of 9.64.
Mirza’s inclusion is seen as part of the PCB’s ongoing efforts to build depth in the fast bowling department by giving emerging talent exposure on the international stage.
Series Schedule and Context
The Pakistan squad will depart for Bangladesh on July 16, with the series scheduled to be played on July 20, 22, and 24, all matches taking place at the iconic Shere-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka and starting at 6:00 pm local time.
Pakistan and Bangladesh last faced off in May 2025, when Pakistan secured a 3-0 clean sweep in a home T20I series — a result that the team will be looking to replicate on Bangladeshi soil.
Full Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh T20I Series
- Salman Ali Agha (captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Ahmed Daniyal
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Hassan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Abbas Afridi
- Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper)
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Mirza
- Sufyan Moqim
T20I Series Schedule:
- July 16 – Pakistan team arrives in Bangladesh
- July 20 – First T20I at Shere-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka (6:00 pm local time)
- July 22 – Second T20I at the same venue (6:00 pm local time)
- July 24 – Third T20I, also in Dhaka (6:00 pm local time)
With a mix of experienced players and promising young talent, Pakistan will aim to continue its dominance over Bangladesh in the shortest format, while using the series to test squad depth ahead of future international assignments.
