Bangladesh played T20Is in Pakistan before going to play a full three-format series in Sri Lanka. Although they were not taken seriously by Salman Agar’s team in that three-match series. They lost 3-0. This time Pakistan is coming to play a series of equal matches in Bangladesh. However, the team’s highest wicket-taker in the last series, pacer Hasan Ali, was not called up to the squad.
The issue of not keeping the right-arm pacer came into discussion after the announcement of Pakistan’s squad. According to sources, Geo News reported that Hasan’s absence from the team is temporary. He is currently busy in the County Championship in England. Hasan is fulfilling the promises he made to them earlier. He is playing for Warwickshire in the ongoing Vitality Blast. This Pakistani star is in great form there too.
Hasan Ali has taken the third highest number of 19 wickets in 8 matches in the English franchise tournament so far. At the same time, his economy is not bad, 8.68. Earlier, Hasan was also Pakistan’s highest wicket-taker in the last T20 series against Bangladesh. Although he took 8 wickets in 3 matches at a slightly low cost (9.53). In one of these matches, Hasan completed his first five-wicket haul in international T20s.
According to Pakistani media sources, the national team selectors have kept Hasan Ali in mind for the white-ball series against the West Indies in August. Pakistan will tour the Caribbean after completing the Bangladesh series. Meanwhile, Pakistan announced a 15-member squad yesterday (Tuesday) for the upcoming T20 series against Bangladesh. Where veteran stars Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi did not have a place in the Salman Ali Agar-led squad as usual. Recently, the PCB has been hinting at going without them in the shorter version of cricket.
Apart from this, regular T20 players like Naseem Shah and Wasim Junior will not be coming to Bangladesh tour due to their fitness. All-rounder Shadab Khan and pacer Haris Rauf are not in the team due to injuries. However, Salman Mirza and Ahmed Danial, who have not yet made their international debut, have been called up to Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming series.
The Pakistan cricket team will set foot in Dhaka on July 16. Then the first match of the series will be held on July 20. Later, the remaining two matches will be played on July 22 and 24. All the matches of the upcoming T20 series will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The matches will start at 6 pm local time.
FAQ
Why are Pakistan’s in-form pacers not playing in the Bangladesh series?
Pakistan’s top pacers are missing the series due to a combination of reasons like injury management, workload rest, or strategic rotation by the selectors.
Who are the in-form pacers missing from the squad?
Pacers like Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, or Naseem Shah (depending on the squad status) are reportedly among those not included despite good recent form.
Are these players injured or just being rested?
Some are being rested to manage their fitness ahead of bigger tournaments, while others might be recovering from minor injuries or fatigue.
What is the official reason given by Pakistan’s selectors?
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated that the decision was made keeping long-term fitness and team balance in mind, especially with upcoming major events.
