Babar, Rizwan axed for BD T20s

All-rounder Salman Agha was named Pakistan captain for the upcoming T20 series against Bangladesh while Shadab Khan was appointed as his deputy as the national selectors announced the squad for the three-match contest on Wednesday.

The surprise omissions were Pakistan's three most senior and key players, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi. It is pertinent to mention that the newly-appointed national team head coach Mike Hesson had clearly expressed his desire to bring back both Babar and Rizwan into the national T20 fold barely a week ago.

Fast bowler Hasan Ali, dashing openers Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan as well as all-rounder Hussain Talat make a comeback to the national team for the BD series.

The selectors emphasised that the squad has been selected based on players' performances in the ongoing HBL PSL X, which concludes on May 25. This series also marks the first assignment for newly appointed head coach Mike Hesson.

Pak 16-member squad:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper) and Saim Ayub

PCB announces revised schedule

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced the revised schedule for the much-anticipated three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. The series will be held at Lahore's iconic Gaddafi Stadium from 28 May to 1 June.

The action-packed series will begin with the first T20I on Wednesday, 28 May, followed by the second match on Friday, 30 May. The third and final T20I is scheduled for Sunday, 1 June.

Bangladesh is set to arrive in Lahore on 25 May, with training sessions planned for 26 and 27 May to ensure optimal preparation ahead of the series. All three matches will start at 8:00 PM local time.

It is pertinent to mention that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the 16-member squad for the upcoming series on Wednesday.

This series will mark the first official assignment for newly appointed head coach Mike Hesson.

Originally scheduled as a five-match series with games in Faisalabad, the Bangladesh tour was reduced to three matches due to logistical and security concerns.

This adjustment was finalised after a productive meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials, including Chairman Nazmul Abedeen and President Farooq Ahmed.

Following the discussions, both boards agreed to proceed with the revised series, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining strong cricketing ties.

Pakistan-Bangladesh T20I series schedule:

•28 May – 1st T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

•30 May – 2nd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

•1 June – 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Saud names two stars for future Pak call-up

Quetta Gladiators captain Saud Shakeel has expressed strong confidence in two young talents, Hassan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafay, calling them promising prospects for Pakistan's national cricket team.

Speaking ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 Qualifier against defending champions Islamabad United, scheduled for May 21 in Lahore, Saud praised their performances and potential.

"Hassan Nawaz played all kinds of shots and was instrumental in our victories," Saud said. "The performances of players like Hassan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafay are very encouraging signs for Pakistan cricket. Both are talented players who have the potential to represent Pakistan at the international level in the near future."

Hassan has been one of the standout performers for the Gladiators in the ongoing PSL 10.

He is currently the fifth-highest run-scorer in the tournament, having scored 317 runs in 10 matches at an impressive average of 63.40 and a strike rate of 159.29.

His run tally includes two half-centuries and one century, demonstrating his consistency and match-winning abilities.

Saud Shakeel also reflected on the Gladiators' campaign so far, highlighting the team's progress and mindset heading into the crucial qualifier match.

"We have played quite good cricket throughout the entire PSL. There is always room for improvement in every department. Khawaja Nafay got a chance and performed well. We played the entire tournament with Finn Allen; we have not yet discussed the final eleven or who will play at which position," he said.