Trio omitted from Bangladesh tour; questions loom over future selections
The future of three of Pakistan’s most prominent cricketing figures — Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi — appears increasingly uncertain as all three have been left out of the national squad for the upcoming T20 tour of Bangladesh, marking a significant shift in selection dynamics.
Once seen as cornerstones of Pakistan’s cricketing strategy, the trio is now being routinely overlooked, raising speculation about their long-term roles within the national setup.
Shaheen’s Fall from Favor
At just 25, Shaheen Afridi has already captained Pakistan and led the Lahore Qalandars to a Pakistan Super League (PSL) title — also finishing as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 19 scalps. However, his recent omission has sparked debate. Sources claim chief selector Aaqib Javed, who previously worked with Shaheen in the PSL, is unimpressed with his recent performances, especially on the New Zealand tour, and believes the pacer needs to address technical flaws.
Shaheen was vacationing in England when he was suddenly recalled to Pakistan, only to discover — via social media — that he hadn’t made the squad. While rumors circulated of disciplinary issues, a senior Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official dismissed them, insisting the decision was “entirely cricket-related.” “Had there been any disciplinary breach, he wouldn’t have been called to camp,” the official added.
No T20 Plans for Babar, Rizwan
Sources within the PCB confirm that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan currently do not feature in head coach Mike Hesson’s immediate T20 plans. Hesson has reportedly asked the pair to evolve their approach in the shortest format — emphasizing intent, adaptability, and impact — if they wish to make a comeback.
Interestingly, Shaheen, Shadab Khan, and Salman Ali Agha are considered part of Hesson’s core group, although subject to rotation. Shaheen might still be considered for the West Indies tour, while Babar and Rizwan could find spots in the ODI squad instead.
Shadab is currently recovering from surgery, and discussions are ongoing within the PCB about converting the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies into a T20 series — a move that could further delay any return for Babar and Rizwan.
Hesson recently denied rumors that he had asked Babar to keep wickets to regain his place, calling such reports “baseless” and attributing them to social media speculation aimed at swaying public opinion.
Pakistan Shaheens Announce Squad for England Tour
In related developments, the PCB has unveiled an 18-member squad for the Pakistan Shaheens’ multi-format tour of England, which runs from July 17 to August 6.
Saud Shakeel will lead the side, which includes three other capped Test players: Mir Hamza, Musa Khan, and Sajid Khan. The rest of the squad features promising young talent, including top performers from the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy such as Azan Awais and Maaz Sadaqat.
Rohail Nazir will take up wicketkeeping duties, while the pace unit comprises Mushtaq Ahmed, Shahid Aziz, and Ubaid Shah. The spin department includes Sajid Khan, Faisal Akram, Mehran Mumtaz, and Mubasir Khan.
A training camp has been set up at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi, with the squad scheduled to depart for England on July 16. Match schedules will be announced by the PCB shortly.
Pakistan Shaheens Squad for England Tour:
Saud Shakeel (captain), Ali Zaryab, Azan Awais, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Suleman, Mubasir Khan, Musa Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Omair Bin Yousuf, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, Shahid Aziz, Shamyl Hussain, Ubaid Shah.
This renewed focus on youth and performance metrics signals a changing guard in Pakistan cricket — with marquee names no longer guaranteed places, and rising stars stepping into the limelight.
