Babar Azam Omitted as Pakistan Faces Bangladesh
The series will provide a platform for young players to showcase their skills and for both teams to gain valuable experience ahead of the World Cup. The matches are scheduled to take place in Lahore, with the remaining matches set for Friday and Sunday.
Pakistan and Bangladesh are set to clash in a three-match Twenty20 international series in Lahore, with both teams focusing on rebuilding and preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The series comes after Pakistan's recent struggles, including a first-round exit from the 2024 World Cup and a slump to eighth in the T20I rankings.
The Pakistan team has undergone significant changes, with new head coach Mike Hesson at the helm and a focus on younger players. Star batsmen Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, as well as pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, have been omitted from the squad. Bangladesh, ranked ninth, is also rebuilding under new coach Phil Simmons and is missing senior players due to retirement or injury.
The series is seen as an opportunity for both teams to improve their cricket and prepare for the World Cup. Pakistan is expected to make two changes to its squad, with left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi and spinner Sufiyan Muqeem likely to return to the national side. The preliminary schedule for Pakistan's T20I tour of Bangladesh has been finalized, with the team expected to arrive in Dhaka on July 18.
The T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be a crucial test for both teams as they look to rebuild and prepare for the 2026 World Cup. With new coaches and fresh faces, both teams will be looking to make a statement and improve their standings in the T20I rankings.