In a significant development ahead of the upcoming international season, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expected to rest senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi for the T20I series against Bangladesh, starting May 27, 2025. The decision is part of PCB’s long-term strategy to develop a new core for Pakistan’s T20 side, keeping in view the T20 Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Youth Takes Center Stage
With the spotlight on emerging talent, several promising players from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 have caught the selectors’ attention. Names like Mohammad Naeem, Yasir Khan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Ubaid Shah likely to be included in the squad for the Bangladesh series. This will serve as a testing ground for these youngsters to prove their mettle at the international level.
The PCB’s focus is on building a fast, aggressive, and modern T20 side that can compete at the global level. By giving young players exposure in a competitive bilateral series, the board hopes to establish a stable and dynamic lineup before the major tournaments.
Strategic Rest for Senior Players
Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi have been mainstays in Pakistan’s T20 setup for years. Resting these experienced campaigners allows them time to recover and stay fresh for bigger challenges ahead. It also sends a clear message about the board’s emphasis on transition and future planning.
While this move may come as a surprise to some fans, cricket analysts see it as a bold and necessary step to prepare a versatile squad for the future.
T20I Series Against Bangladesh: A New Beginning
The Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I series expected to feature a new-look squad, with a focus on aggressive batting and versatile bowling options. The upcoming matches will not only test the temperament of young cricketers but also give the team management a clearer picture of Pakistan’s bench strength.
This transition phase could mark the beginning of a new era in Pakistan cricket, led by emerging talent determined to make their mark on the international stage.
 expected to rest senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi for the T20I series against Bangladesh, starting May 27, 2025. The decision is part of PCB’s long-term strategy to develop a new core for Pakistan’s T20 side, keeping in view the T20 Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.){kind=link}