Will Babar, Rizwan return to T20I squad for Bangladesh series?

Both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have not featured in a T20I for Pakistan since December 2024.

Pakistan's premier white-ball duo Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were dropped from the T20I squad for Pakistan's tour of New Zealand earlier in the year, prompting many to wonder if they would return to the squad in the near future.

According to reports, both Babar and Rizwan are unlikely to feature in the upcoming five-match T20I series against Bangladesh, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) looks set to continue its shift towards a younger, more aggressive playing group ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Despite being Pakistan’s all-time leading T20I run-scorers, Babar and Rizwan have not played a T20 international since December 13, 2024.

While many fans had anticipated their return following the conclusion of HBL PSL 2025, sources indicate that the PCB is not currently considering the experienced duo for the home series.

Since late 2024, the team management has been experimenting with a new approach, moving away from the stability of the Babar-Rizwan pairing and embracing a more explosive top order.

While this transition has yet to produce consistent results—evident in the 4-1 series defeat to New Zealand earlier this year—the selectors remain committed to a long-term overhaul.

The likely lineup for the series includes Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and possibly Sahibzada Farhan, with additional options such as Hussain Talat, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, and promising pacer Ali Raza under discussion.

The series, which forms part of Pakistan's build-up to next year’s T20 World Cup, will be held from May 25 to June 3, with matches split between Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Originally planned as a mix of ODIs and T20Is under the Future Tours Programme (FTP), the format was revised to include five T20Is to maximize World Cup preparation time.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I Series Schedule:

• 21s May – Bangladesh team arrives in Pakistan

• 25 May – 1st T20I, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad (8:00 PM PKT)

• 27 May – 2nd T20I, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad (8:00 PM PKT)

• 30 May – 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (8:00 PM PKT)

• 1 June – 4th T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (8:00 PM PKT)

• 3 June – 5th T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (8:00 PM PKT)

Bangladesh will train in Faisalabad from May 22 to 24, in preparation for the series opener.

As the countdown to the World Cup intensifies, all eyes will be on whether Pakistan’s gamble on youth pays off—or if a recall for Babar and Rizwan becomes inevitable.