Pakistan’s justice team is set to take on Bangladesh in a five- match T20I series starting May 25, 2025, but suckers will notice three big names missing from the platoon. Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been rested as part of the PCB’s plan to test youthful players and trial with new combinations ahead of major events like the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Why Are Pakistan’s Star Players Sitting Out?
Workload Management
Shaheen, who has been spearheading the pace bowling unit, is being rested to prevent fatigue.
Babar and Rizwan haven’t played T20Is since December 2024, signaling a shift in team strategy.
Building for the Future
The PCB wants to give emerging talents a chance to prove themselves before next year’s World Cup.
Players like Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Sahibzada Farhan are expected to step up in the batting lineup.
Changing Playing Style
Pakistan has relied heavily on Babar and Rizwan’s steady batting, but the team now wants a more aggressive approach in T20s.
What to Expect in the Series
Match venues include Faisalabad and Lahore, with Faisalabad set to welcome international cricket once again after a 17-year break.
New Faces: Youngsters like Azam Khan, Haider Ali, and Mohammad Haris could get opportunities.
Bangladesh’s Challenge: The visitors will look to capitalize on Pakistan’s experimental squad.
Final Thoughts
While fans may miss seeing Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen, this series is a crucial step in Pakistan’s long-term planning. If the new players perform well, it could reshape the team’s dynamics ahead of major events.
