Cricholic
Agha Salman has taken charge of the Pakistan T20I squad vs Bangladesh, as the team heads into a three-match series from July 20 to 24, 2025, at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. Pakistan enters this series with a refreshed outlook, choosing youth and form over seniority. The appointment of Agha as captain marks a new era in Pakistan’s white-ball journey.
🔁 Agha to Lead Youthful Pakistan T20I Squad
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Agha Salman as captain in the absence of regular leaders. This is a significant moment for Agha, as it marks his first international assignment as full-time skipper. Additionally, the squad will be guided by newly appointed white-ball coach Mike Hesson, who looks to reshape the team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
❌ Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf Ruled Out
Two key players — Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf — are unavailable for this series.
- Shadab continues to recover from shoulder surgery and remains in rehabilitation.
- Rauf, meanwhile, suffered a hamstring injury that also ruled him out of the MLC 2025 playoffs for the San Francisco Unicorns.
In addition, Irfan Khan, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim, and Naseem Shah have also been dropped. As a result, Pakistan has trimmed the squad to 15 players.
🆕 Fresh Talent Joins Agha’s Squad for Bangladesh T20Is
The selectors have turned to domestic and PSL performers. Moreover, they’ve included young players who could form the team’s long-term core.
| Player | Role | T20I Caps |
|---|---|---|
| Ahmed Daniyal | Right-arm medium | 0 |
| Salman Mirza | Left-arm fast | 0 |
| Sufiyan Muqeem | Left-arm wristspin | 10 |
| Hasan Nawaz | Top-order batter | 8 |
| Abbas Afridi | Medium pacer | 21 |
Notably, both Ahmed Daniyal and Salman Mirza are uncapped. However, their domestic numbers have impressed selectors. Players like Muqeem and Nawaz have been given extended opportunities to build consistency.
📊 PSL 2025 Standouts Backed in Agha-Led Lineup
The PSL 2025 played a major role in influencing selections. Several names in this squad made a strong case during the tournament.
- Abbas Afridi claimed 17 wickets in 11 matches for Karachi Kings, making him the fourth-highest wicket-taker overall.
- Salman Mirza, despite playing only 4 games for Lahore Qalandars, bagged 9 wickets, showcasing control and speed.
- Hasan Nawaz emerged as Quetta Gladiators’ star with 399 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 162.19, ranking third overall.
Consequently, the selectors have rewarded current form, which aligns with Pakistan’s forward-looking strategy.
📝 Complete Pakistan T20I Squad vs Bangladesh
- Salman Agha (captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Ahmed Daniyal
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Hassan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Abbas Afridi
- Mohammad Haris (wk)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Sahibzada Farhan (wk)
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Mirza
- Sufiyan Muqeem
🔜 West Indies Tour Set to Follow
Looking beyond this series, Pakistan will tour the West Indies in early August. The trip includes T20Is in Lauderhill and ODIs in Tarouba. According to the PCB, the squad for that tour will be revealed soon. Given the experimental approach here, more rotations and debuts could follow.
✅ Final Take
Although Shadab and Rauf’s absence leaves gaps, this series brings fresh energy. Agha Salman, leading for the first time, now has a chance to prove himself. Furthermore, players like Afridi, Nawaz, and Mirza will look to cement their place. Under Mike Hesson’s guidance, Pakistan seems committed to building a squad not just for now — but for the future.
