Pakistan’s T20I captain Agha Salman has committed to a bold playing style ahead of the three-match series against Bangladesh, stressing a “fearless, not careless” mindset as the national side builds toward the T20 World Cup.
Addressing the media at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore ahead of the first T20I on Tuesday, Salman explained Pakistan’s evolving approach in the shortest format.
“It’s not just Islamabad United’s style. All over the world, teams are adopting attacking cricket. We’re doing the same—fearless, but not careless,” Salman said.
He recognised Bangladesh as a skilled opponent and identified captain Litton Das as a key threat.
“Litton Das will be a prize wicket for us. We’ll look to limit his scoring,” he noted.
Pakistan has made eight changes to the squad that toured New Zealand earlier this year. Salman said the adjustments are aimed at building depth for the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka.
“Based on Sri Lankan conditions, we’re forming a core group of 20 to 25 players. It gives us options if injuries happen and helps us find the best XI,” the 31-year-old added.
Hasan Nawaz, Player of the Tournament in HBL PSL 10, is among the fresh faces. Salman explained Nawaz’s role would remain in the middle order. “He performed well there in the PSL, so there’s no need for him to open.”
Pakistan holds a dominant record over Bangladesh in T20Is, with 16 wins from 19 encounters. The remaining three-match series will also be played in Lahore, with fixtures scheduled for 30 May and 1 June.
Pakistan squad for Bangladesh T20Is:
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 Jr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub.
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
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