Bangladesh T20 Squad Ready to Face Pakistan in Upcoming Series
Cricket enthusiasts across the globe are buzzing with excitement as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that the Bangladesh T20 squad will travel to Pakistan for a five-match T20I series, commencing on May 25, 2025. This series is a pivotal part of both teams’ preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
The matches will be hosted in two iconic Pakistani cities, Faisalabad and Lahore, with the series marking the return of international cricket to Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium after a 17-year hiatus. This tour, part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP), was originally planned to include three ODIs and three T20Is, but both boards agreed to replace the ODIs with two additional T20Is to focus on the shorter format ahead of the global tournament.
Bangladesh T20 Squad
The Bangladesh T20 squad, led by newly appointed captain Litton Das, is a balanced mix of seasoned players and emerging talents. Mahedi Hasan has been named vice-captain, signaling a new leadership era for the Tigers.
The squad includes key players who missed the T20I series against the West Indies in December 2024, such as Towhid Hridoy, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam. Notably absent are Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Ripon Mondol, and Taskin Ahmed. The team is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on May 21, 2025, after completing a two-match T20I series against the UAE in Sharjah.
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Litton Das (c) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Tanzid Hasan | Batter |
| Parvez Hossain | Batter |
| Soumya Sarkar | Batter |
| Najmul Hossain Shanto | Batter |
| Towhid Hridoy | Batter |
| Shamim Hossain | Batter |
| Jaker Ali | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Rishad Hossain | Allrounder |
| Mahedi Hasan (vc) | Allrounder |
| Tanvir Islam | Bowler |
| Mustafizur Rahman | Bowler |
| Hasan Mahmud | Bowler |
| Tanzim Hasan Sakib | Bowler |
| Nahid Rana | Bowler |
| Shoriful Islam | Bowler |
Pakistan T20 Squad
While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet announced a specific squad for the Bangladesh series, it is likely that the team will be similar to the one that toured New Zealand in March 2025 for a five-match T20I series.
That squad, led by captain Salman Ali Agha with Shadab Khan as vice-captain, featured a blend of young talent and experienced players. The PCB’s focus on youth is evident with the inclusion of uncapped players like Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Ali, who impressed in domestic tournaments.
Key players such as Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman were absent from the New Zealand tour due to injuries but may return if fit, especially after their expected participation in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, which resumes on May 17, 2025.
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Hassan Nawaz | Batter |
| Omair Yousuf | Batter |
| Mohammad Haris | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Abdul Samad | Batter |
| Salman Ali Agha (c) | Allrounder |
| Irfan Niazi | Batter |
| Khushdil Shah | Allrounder |
| Shadab Khan (vc) | Allrounder |
| Abbas Afridi | Bowler |
| Jahandad Khan | Bowler |
| Mohammad Ali | Bowler |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Bowler |
| Haris Rauf | Bowler |
| Sufiyaan Muqeem | Bowler |
| Abrar Ahmed | Bowler |
| Usman Khan | Wicketkeeper Batter |
Match Schedule
The Bangladesh T20 squad will play a five-match T20I series across two venues: Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. All matches are scheduled to start at 8:00 PM local time, ensuring prime-time viewing for fans. The schedule is as follows:
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | May 25, 2025 | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad | 8:00 PM |
| 2nd T20I | May 27, 2025 | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad | 8:00 PM |
| 3rd T20I | May 30, 2025 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 8:00 PM |
| 4th T20I | June 1, 2025 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 8:00 PM |
| 5th T20I | June 3, 2025 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 8:00 PM |
Historical Context
Pakistan has historically dominated Bangladesh in T20Is, winning 16 out of 19 matches, with Bangladesh securing only three victories. However, Bangladesh’s recent performances, including a 3-0 T20I series sweep against the West Indies under Litton Das’s leadership, suggest they are a team on the rise.
The Tigers also made history in 2024 by winning their first Test series on Pakistani soil, indicating their growing competitiveness. This series will be a test of Bangladesh’s ability to challenge Pakistan in the shorter format on their home turf.
PSL 10 Update
In related news, the PCB announced the resumption of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, which will run concurrently with preparations for the T20I series. The PSL resumes on May 17, 2025, with matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Key fixtures include Peshawar Zalmi vs. Karachi Kings on May 17 in Rawalpindi, and the final on May 25 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, coinciding with the start of the T20I series. The PSL’s conclusion could influence Pakistan’s squad selection, as standout performers may earn a call-up.
| PSL 10 Match | Date | Venue | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | May 17, 2025 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | Peshawar Zalmi vs. Karachi Kings |
| Match 2 (Double-header) | May 18, 2025 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | Multan Sultans vs. Quetta Gladiators |
| Match 3 (Double-header) | May 18, 2025 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | Peshawar Zalmi vs. Lahore Qalandars |
| Match 4 | May 19, 2025 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | Islamabad United vs. Karachi Kings |
| Final | May 25, 2025 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | TBD |
Regional Tensions and Confirmation
Initial concerns about the series arose due to regional tensions between India and Pakistan, which led to the postponement of both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and PSL.
The BCB briefly deferred the decision to tour Pakistan but confirmed the series after consultations with the PCB, ensuring no delays or cancellations. The BCB’s statement on May 10, 2025, clarified that the tour would proceed as planned, putting rumors to rest.
Why This Series Matters
This T20I series is more than just a bilateral contest; it’s a critical stepping stone for both teams as they prepare for the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup. It’s an opportunity for the Bangladesh T20 squad to build on their recent successes and challenge a formidable opponent in their home conditions.
For Pakistan, hosting this series in Faisalabad and Lahore reinforces their status as a safe and vibrant destination for international cricket. The return of cricket to Faisalabad, in particular, is a milestone, as the city last hosted an international match in 2008.
Conclusion
The Bangladesh T20 squad, under Litton Das’s leadership, is poised to take on Pakistan in what promises to be a thrilling series. With both teams fielding talented lineups and the stakes high for World Cup preparations, fans can expect a high. Stay tuned, Khelo Pakistan for more updates.
