Karachi: As preparations for the upcoming Pakistan tour of Bangladesh 2025 intensify, the second batch of Pakistan’s national cricket squad departed from Karachi for Dhaka. The contingent will travel via Dubai, joining the first group of players already present in the Bangladeshi capital.
This marks a crucial phase in Pakistan’s short-format cricket campaign as they gear up to face Bangladesh in a three-match T20 International (T20I) series, starting July 20, 2025. The tour is part of Pakistan’s ongoing international cricket calendar and is seen as an opportunity for several young and emerging players to showcase their talent on foreign soil.
Details of Departing Players in Second Batch
According to the official statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the second group of players and support staff departed on Tuesday. This batch includes a mix of young talent and experienced domestic performers who have been in the spotlight recently due to their performances in domestic tournaments and franchise leagues.
Players in the Second Batch:
- Muhammad Haris – Wicketkeeper-batsman known for his aggressive stroke play and strong T20 credentials.
- Abbas Afridi – A promising fast bowler who has impressed in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with his pace and variations.
- Sahibzada Farhan – An explosive top-order batsman who has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket.
- Hassan Nawaz – A young batting talent on the rise, who has recently caught selectors’ eyes with his form in the National T20 Cup.
- Sufyan Muqeem – A left-arm spinner known for his deceptive variations and key role in middle-overs bowling.
- Hussain Talat – A seasoned all-rounder who has previously represented Pakistan in limited-overs formats.
- Ahmed Daniyal – A right-arm pacer who has gained experience through leagues like the PSL and Abu Dhabi T10.
- Salman Mirza – Another emerging fast bowler who is looking to cement his place in the national squad.
In addition to these players, several members of the support staff, including coaches, medical team, and logistical coordinators, also traveled with the group.
First Batch Already in Dhaka
The first batch of the national team, including key players like Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi, had already reached Dhaka earlier this week. They are currently engaged in training sessions and practice drills under the supervision of the coaching staff. The early arrival has allowed them to acclimatize to the conditions in Bangladesh and prepare for the high-stakes T20I series.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I Series Schedule
The eagerly awaited three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled to commence on July 20, with all matches taking place at the iconic Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. This venue has long been the centerpiece of Bangladesh cricket and is known for producing spin-friendly wickets and electrifying atmospheres during international fixtures.
Match Schedule:
- 1st T20I – July 20, 2025
- 2nd T20I – July 22, 2025
- 3rd T20I – July 24, 2025
All matches are set to begin in the evening under floodlights, making dew factor and toss decisions crucial tactical elements.
Importance of the Bangladesh Tour for Pakistan
This short tour is not just another series—it holds significant strategic value for Pakistan as they build toward ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. It offers a platform for the Pakistan team management to assess bench strength, test various team combinations, and give young players exposure to international pressure.
A Chance for Young Stars to Shine
The inclusion of players like Muhammad Haris, Abbas Afridi, and Sahibzada Farhan suggests the selectors are looking beyond the core squad and aiming to develop a deeper talent pool. These players have already proven their potential in domestic cricket and now face the challenge of replicating that success internationally.
Leadership and Strategy
While the PCB has not yet officially announced the captain for the T20I series, it is expected that Shadab Khan—Pakistan’s regular T20 vice-captain—may lead the side if Babar Azam is rested or unavailable. The series will also provide insight into Pakistan’s strategic direction, especially in areas such as middle-order stability, spin attack combinations, and death bowling execution.
Bangladesh’s Preparations and Home Advantage
The Bangladesh cricket team, led by experienced campaigners like Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, and Taskin Ahmed, will not make it easy for the visiting side. Known for their tough competitiveness at home, Bangladesh will look to exploit their knowledge of local conditions.
They recently wrapped up a T20 series against Zimbabwe and are expected to field a well-balanced team comprising seasoned veterans and rising stars like Tanzid Hasan and Nasum Ahmed.
Sher-e-Bangla Stadium: A Spin Haven
Located in Mirpur, the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium has hosted dozens of memorable international matches. It typically offers low-bounce, slow wickets, favoring spinners and wrist bowlers. Historically, visiting teams have struggled to adapt quickly, especially when faced with the tight, disciplined bowling attacks that Bangladesh is known for at home.
For Pakistan, this will be an opportunity to test their batting technique against spin—an area where they have sometimes been exposed in subcontinental conditions.
Fans Gear Up for Exciting Contest
With the series fast approaching, cricket fans in both Pakistan and Bangladesh are eagerly awaiting the renewal of this regional rivalry. Pakistan and Bangladesh have had some memorable T20I encounters over the past decade, including close matches in Asia Cups and bilateral series.
Though Pakistan has historically maintained dominance in T20 head-to-head records, Bangladesh’s recent improvements and home conditions could tilt the balance in unexpected ways.
Conclusion: A Crucial Tour for Pakistan’s T20 Ambitions
The departure of the second batch of the Pakistan national squad marks the final phase of logistical preparations ahead of the high-voltage T20I series against Bangladesh. With an eye on long-term goals like the ICC T20 World Cup, this series provides Pakistan a chance to:
- Test bench strength
- Adapt to subcontinent conditions
- Build team chemistry
- Scout new talent under international pressure
The inclusion of fresh faces alongside experienced players reflects PCB’s strategic vision for a competitive, dynamic, and future-ready T20 squad.
As the clock ticks toward July 20, fans will be watching closely to see how this new-look Pakistan side performs against a spirited Bangladesh team in one of Asia’s most passionate cricketing venues.
