As Pakistan gear up for their T20I series against Bangladesh, team captain Salman Ali Agha has thrown his full support behind senior stars Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, despite their omission from the current squad.
In a pre-series press briefing in Dhaka, Salman addressed the noticeable absence of the two stalwarts, both of whom have played pivotal roles for Pakistan in T20 cricket over the past half-decade. He was clear: their exclusion does not mean they’re out of the picture.
> “Babar and Rizwan are world-class players. They’ve done wonders for Pakistan,” Salman said. “We’ve built a pool of 25 players, and both are very much a part of that structure.”
This statement comes amid speculation over whether the team is undergoing a quiet transition away from its established order. Salman clarified that the current squad selection is more about experimentation and readiness than replacement.
> “T20 cricket evolves fast. Right now, we’re focusing on a style of play that suits certain conditions and match-ups. But that doesn’t change how we value our senior players,” he added.
Building Depth, Not Replacing Icons
With the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup on the horizon, Pakistan’s selectors are keen on expanding the team’s bench strength. According to Salman, the series against Bangladesh is being treated as a platform to test emerging talent and new combinations, not as a verdict on the careers of senior pros.
Even Shaheen Afridi, another high-profile absentee, remains a “crucial part of the team’s future,” Salman emphasized. “It’s about giving rest where needed and ensuring others are match-ready too.”
Calm and Confident Ahead of Bangladesh Opener
On the upcoming series, Salman said the squad is under no pressure. He credited the team’s pre-tour training in Karachi — specifically designed to mimic Dhaka’s spin-friendly surfaces — as key to preparation.
> “We’ve worked hard on adjusting to conditions. The focus is on playing good cricket and giving fans something to cheer for,” he said.
The first match of the three-game T20I series begins on Saturday, July 20 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. The series is being closely watched as Pakistan’s first overseas T20 assignment under new head coach Mike Hesson.
