Salman Ali Agha has been named captain of Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, set to be held from July 20 to 24 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the squad on Tuesday, highlighting a blend of seasoned players and fresh talent. Notably, vice-captain Shadab Khan and fast bowler Haris Rauf have been sidelined due to injuries. Shadab is recovering in England following shoulder surgery, while Rauf suffered a hamstring injury during a T20 league game in the United States over the weekend.
The selection, finalized by the Men’s National Selection Committee, focuses on testing new options ahead of the World Cup. The PCB clarified that the squad for the upcoming white-ball series against the West Indies will be revealed separately.
The team retains experienced names like Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf. Meanwhile, wicketkeepers Mohammad Haris and Sahibzada Farhan have both been included, adding depth in batting and flexibility behind the stumps.
Former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, as well as spearhead pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, remain absent from the squad as selectors aim to try out emerging players. Babar and Rizwan last featured in a T20I series in South Africa last year, while Shaheen played most recently on the tour to New Zealand in March.
Also excluded are pacers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim, both of whom are still regaining full fitness. Hasan Ali, another experienced pacer, is unavailable due to county cricket commitments in England.
To fill the gaps, selectors have turned to uncapped pacers Salman Mirza (31) and Ahmed Daniyal (28), both of whom delivered strong performances in this year’s Pakistan Super League. Spinning allrounder Mohammad Nawaz makes his return, having last played for Pakistan in January 2024.
The squad will travel under the guidance of a complete management team led by manager Naveed Akram Cheema and head coach Mike Hesson. They will be supported by specialist coaches Ashley Noffke (bowling), Muhammad Hanif Malik (batting), and Shane McDermott (fielding), along with medical, fitness, analytics, and media staff.
Full 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 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), Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)
