Bangladesh Archives

Shaheen Afridi confirms three debutants in first ODI against Bangladesh

DHAKA: Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has confirmed that the Green Shirts will field three debutants in the first ODI of their three-match series against Bangladesh, set to be played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, March 11.

Pakistan dropped senior players like Babar Azam and Saim Ayub for the series, giving a platform to several promising talents.

The squad for the series includes six uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain.

Speaking at a pre-series press conference on Tuesday, Afridi revealed that Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain will make their international ODI debuts.

Farhan and Sadaqat are set to open the innings, while Hussain will bat at one-down.

“Sahibzada [Farhan] ofcourse he has been a top performer in T20Is as well as List A domestic cricket in Pakistan. Maaz Sadaqat will also open the innings, and Shamyl Hussain will bat at one down,” he said.

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“I hope that they play their own [natural] game and show their skills. We, as a team, are very excited to see them play.”

The captain highlighted that familiarity with local conditions will be an advantage for the debutants.

“Sahibzada has played in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and Maaz has also played here. So it should feel like just another game for them. I hope they play their best cricket and express themselves,” he added.

Shaheen Afridi was also asked about Pakistan’s bowling combination and the potential inclusion of Saad Masood, given the spin-friendly nature of Dhaka pitches.

“Only 11 players can play, so we will decide according to the team requirement and pitch conditions. We have one more practice session today, after which the final playing XI will be announced,” he stated.

READ: Pakistan-Bangladesh ODI series trophy unveiled in Dhaka

Pakistan-Bangladesh ODI series trophy unveiled in Dhaka

DHAKA: The stage is set for the highly anticipated three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Bangladesh, as the trophy was officially unveiled on Tuesday.

The series, scheduled from March 11 to 15, will see all matches played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

Pakistan skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi and Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz took part in the unveiling ceremony, presenting the glittering trophy to the media and fans ahead of the opening encounter.

The match officials for the series were confirmed yesterday, with Naeem-ul-Rasheed appointed as the match referee for all three ODIs.

The on-field umpires will include Kumar Dharmasena, Adrian Holdstock, Ghazi Sohail, Tanveer Ahmed, and Masoodur Rahman, ensuring experienced oversight for the series.

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Pakistan’s squad features a mix of established players and promising talents, including six uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain.

Bangladesh will counter with their own strong line-up, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and including Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, and Nahid Rana.

Pakistan squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha and Shamyl Hussain

Bangladesh squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.

READ: Sri Lanka call off Afghanistan white-ball series due to Middle East war

Mohammad Rizwan comments on Ghazi Ghori’s inclusion in Pakistan squad

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has defended the selection of young wicket-keeper Ghazi Ghori in the national squad for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh.

Rizwan shared his views during a media talk on the sidelines of Pakistan’s training camp in Karachi.

Notably, Ghazi Ghori is among six uncapped players included in Pakistan’s ODI squad for the Bangladesh tour. The other uncapped ODI players are Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain.

However, Ghori’s inclusion sparked debate among fans and former cricketers on social media due to his limited domestic experience.

Ghori, who featured in two matches for Islamabad United last year, has played just 17 List A matches, averaging slightly above 20 with a strike rate below 80 in the format.

Despite the scrutiny, Rizwan insisted that the youngster deserved the opportunity.

“Ghazi has come into the team on the basis of performance. Everyone is entitled to their opinion,” Rizwan said.

The senior wicket-keeper also emphasised that Pakistan should welcome the emergence of multiple wicketkeeping options, saying it could ultimately benefit the national team.

“Right now, Ghazi is in the squad, but if you look at the past, many wicketkeepers have been performing. It’s good if more keepers come through the system because Pakistan might finally find what it has been searching for,” he added.

The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled to be played from March 11 to 15, with all fixtures set to take place at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

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Mohammad Rizwan also warned against underestimating Bangladesh in their home conditions.

“On paper, the series may look easy, but Bangladesh are a tough side in their own conditions. The pitches there suit them,” he said, adding that Pakistan still have players in the squad who possess experience of playing in those conditions.

When asked about the exclusion of several senior players from the squad, Rizwan said the selection committee was better placed to explain those decisions.

“If I had been part of the selection meeting, I could have told you why certain players were left out,” he remarked.

Rizwan further highlighted the importance of the captain’s role in team-building, stating that leadership input should carry weight in decision-making.

“If the selection committee or head coach does not listen to the captain, then that person should not be captain,” he said. “The captain has to lead the team on the field, so his opinion must matter.”

The wicketkeeper-batter also spoke about the pressure in modern cricket, stressing the need for greater professionalism within Pakistan cricket.

“Pressure exists at every level of cricket, whether club, domestic or international. We need awareness and professionalism because other teams are ahead of us and they handle pressure better,” he said.

Rizwan was also asked about reports claiming that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had imposed a fine of Rs5 million on each player following the team’s disappointing campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

However, he declined to comment on the matter, saying the board had not yet made any official announcement.

“Many people and sections of the media have spoken about it, but until the PCB makes an official statement, I cannot say anything about the alleged fine,” Rizwan concluded.

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PCB replaces Naveed Akram Cheema as team manager ahead of Bangladesh tour

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly removed Naveed Akram Cheema as the national men’s team manager ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh.

According to reports, Cheema, who has previously served multiple stints as Pakistan’s team manager, will not travel with the squad for the tour.

His latest spell with the side included the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, which drew widespread attention after the Indian team refused to shake hands with Pakistan players following a match during the tournament.

In Cheema’s place, the PCB has appointed Irtaza Kumail as the team manager for the Bangladesh tour. Kumail, an 18th-grade police officer, joined the cricket board two years ago and has earlier served as the national side’s security manager.

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Meanwhile, Salman Liaquat is also set to travel with the team as security officer, marking his first assignment with the Pakistan men’s squad.

The PCB has further confirmed that the team’s foreign coaching staff will join the squad directly in Dhaka. Pakistan are scheduled to depart for Bangladesh on March 8.

Ahead of their departure, the national side will participate in a two-day training camp in Lahore as part of preparations for their first ODI assignment since hosting Sri Lanka for a three-match series in November last year.

Pakistan will play all three matches of the series at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.

Pakistan ODI squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha and Shamyl Hussain.

Series schedule

March 8 – Pakistan arrive in Dhaka

March 10 – Practice session

March 11 – First ODI, Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka

March 13 – Second ODI, Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka

March 15 – Third ODI, Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka

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Bangladesh announce squad for Pakistan ODI series

DHAKA: Bangladesh have announced their 15-member squad for the ODI series against Pakistan, set to begin on March 11.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz will continue to lead the side, which has several changes since their last series against the West Indies in October, with pacer Nahid Rana, Litton Das, and Shoriful Islam also returning to the fold.

Among the omissions are Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, and Nasum Ahmed. While Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Hasan Mahmud are out due to injury.

Litton’s last feature in July was against Sri Lanka, subsequently missing the series against Afghanistan and the West Indies.

Following the squad announcement, the Bangladesh selection panel head, Gazi Ashraf Hossain, shed light on the squad for the Pakistan series.

“There may be questions about Litton Das’s recent ODI form, but he has been working closely with the coaches on his game,” Ashraf Hossain said.

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“We… are considering him as an option to strengthen the middle order,” he added.

All three fixtures will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on March 11, 13, and 15.

Meanwhile, BCB has also confirmed that the Pakistan squad would arrive in Dhaka on March 8, dismissing media reports suggesting the tour had been called off due to the war in the Middle East.

Bangladesh Squad

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.

READ: Sammy voices frustration as West Indies stuck in India

Fakhar Zaman doubtful for ODI series against Bangladesh

LAHORE: Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh have suffered an early setback, with veteran opener Fakhar Zaman likely to miss the three-match assignment due to a hamstring injury.

According to reports, the left-handed batter is currently undergoing rehabilitation after picking up the injury, casting serious doubt over his availability for the tour.

While no official confirmation has been issued yet, indications suggest that the 35-year-old may not recover in time for the series.

Pakistan are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on March 9, with all three ODIs set to be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on March 11, 13 and 15.

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Fakhar Zaman had a restricted outing at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, featuring in just two matches. He missed Pakistan’s group-stage fixtures against the Netherlands, USA, India and Namibia before returning for the Super Eights.

Despite limited opportunities, the experienced opener made his presence felt. He struck a brisk 25 against England and followed it up with a scintillating 84 off 42 deliveries against Sri Lanka, smashing nine fours and four sixes in a commanding knock.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh tour itself remains under observation amid ongoing regional tensions. Sources suggest the series will proceed only if the prevailing situation does not escalate into travel or security concerns.

Schedule of Pakistan-Bangladesh series

First ODI – March 11
Second ODI – March 13
Third ODI – March 15
First Test – May 8 to 12
Second Test – May 16 to 20

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed set to be appointed as Pakistan Test head coach: sources

Bangladesh confirm ODI series schedule against Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan’s men’s cricket team is set to tour Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series, starting on March 11 in Dhaka.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the schedule in a press release.

“Pakistan will arrive in Bangladesh on March 9 and will undergo a training session on March 10 ahead of the opening ODI against the hosts at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Dhaka on March 11,” the statement said.

“The second and third ODIs are scheduled for March 13 and March 15, respectively, with all matches at the same venue,” it added,

The second match of the series will be played on March 13, while the last ODI will be played on March 15.

All three fixtures are scheduled to be played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

The Green Shirts will return home and will tour Bangladesh again in May after the completion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

The two sides will meet for a two-match Test series in May, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.

The first Test is slated to take place in Dhaka from May 8 to 12, while the second Test will be held in Chattogram from May 16 to 20.

Pakistan’s visit forms part of Bangladesh’s packed home international calendar for the 2026 season.

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The Tigers are scheduled to host four Tests, 12 ODIs, and nine T20Is across the year, beginning with Pakistan’s tour immediately after the T20 World Cup.

After Pakistan ODIs, the New Zealand men’s cricket team will arrive for a white-ball series starting April 17.

Later in the season, Australia are also set to tour Bangladesh for three ODIs and three T20Is, with matches scheduled around mid-June.

Bangladesh are further expected to host India for a limited-overs series in August-September 2026, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is, following a two-match Test series against the West Indies men’s cricket team under the WTC.

However, uncertainty surrounds India’s tour after recent tensions, including Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the T20 World Cup in India, where they were replaced by Scotland.

Schedule of Pakistan-Bangladesh series

First ODI – March 11
Second ODI – March 13
Third ODI – March 15
First Test – May 8 to 12
Second Test – May 16 to 20

READ: Zadran, Nabi help Afghanistan end T20 World Cup on high

Bangladesh’s new sports minister pushes for swift resolution with India

DHAKA: Aminul Haque, the new sports minister of Bangladesh, has expressed his desire to quickly ease tensions with India following the national team’s absence from the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, stressing the importance of maintaining friendly ties with neighbouring nations.

Speaking on Tuesday after taking the oath with the new cabinet, Aminul revealed he had already opened dialogue with Indian officials.

“After taking the oath today, I met with the deputy high commissioner of India at the Parliament building. I discussed the T20 World Cup with him,” he said, describing the interaction as cordial and constructive.

“We want to resolve this issue quickly through discussions because we want to maintain friendly relations with all our neighbouring countries.”

Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the ongoing global event, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, after the previous government opted against sending the team to India amid geopolitical tensions.

The situation escalated when the Indian government reportedly asked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to remove Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, eventually leading to Bangladesh’s exclusion from the tournament.

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In a positive development for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the ICC confirmed on February 9 that it would not face any penalty for refusing to play matches in India.

Additionally, the board has been granted hosting rights for an out-of-turn ICC event before the 2031 Men’s ODI World Cup, which Bangladesh will co-host with India.

Aminul reiterated his government’s broader vision of rebuilding ties.

“From sports to all other sectors, we want to build a sincere and cordial relationship with India,” he said.

“Because of diplomatic complications, we could not play in the World Cup. If those issues had been discussed and settled earlier, our team might have participated.”

Despite recent tensions, bilateral cricket remains on the calendar, with India scheduled to tour Bangladesh in September for three ODIs and three T20Is, a series originally planned for August 2025 that was postponed.

READ: Abhishek Sharma joins Saim Ayub on unwanted duck list

Pakistan set for Bangladesh tour after T20 World Cup, schedule confirmed

Pakistan men’s cricket team is set to tour Bangladesh following the conclusion of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with a three-match ODI series scheduled in March.

The ODI series will be played in Dhaka on March 12, 14 and 16, marking the start of Pakistan’s white-ball assignment in Bangladesh.

The Green Shirts will return home and will tour Bangladesh again in May after the completion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

The two sides will meet for a two-match Test series in May, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.

The first Test is slated to take place in Dhaka from May 8 to 12, while the second Test will be held in Chattogram from May 16 to 20.

Pakistan’s visit forms part of Bangladesh’s packed home international calendar for the 2026 season.

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The Tigers are scheduled to host four Tests, 12 ODIs and nine T20Is across the year, beginning with Pakistan’s tour immediately after the T20 World Cup.

After Pakistan ODIs, the New Zealand men’s cricket team will arrive for a white-ball series starting April 17.

Later in the season, Australia are also set to tour Bangladesh for three ODIs and three T20Is, with matches scheduled around mid-June.

However, uncertainty surrounds India’s tour after recent tensions, including Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the T20 World Cup in India, where they were replaced by Scotland.

Schedule of Pakistan-Bangladesh series

First ODI – March 12
Second ODI – March 14
Third ODI – March 16
First Test – May 8 to 12
Second Test – May 16 to 20

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ICC reveals outcome of talks with PCB over T20 World Cup row

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday disclosed the details about discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding the T20 World Cup 2026 standoff, currently underway in India.

According to the press release statement, Bangladesh will not be fined for missing the T20 World Cup 2026. Additionally, Bangladesh will be awarded hosting rights for an ICC event between 2028 and 2031.

“It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter,” the press release said.

“As part of this understanding, an agreement has been reached that Bangladesh will host an ICC event prior to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to the usual ICC hosting processes, timelines and operational requirements,” it added.

Earlier sources said that the clash between Pakistan and India at the T20 World Cup is set to proceed as scheduled following a successful dialogue with the International Cricket Council delegation.

A formal request in this regard has been made to the Government of Pakistan, confirmed PCB’s spokesman Amir Mir.

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The decision was made following a successful meeting in Lahore with the ICC delegation led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja on Sunday.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Aminul Islam Bulbul was also present during the high-profile meeting.

For those unaware, the development comes on the back of the much-anticipated fixture between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, widely regarded as one of cricket’s most commercially significant contests, which remains uncertain after the Government of Pakistan directed its national team not to take the field against India in Colombo.

The match is scheduled for February 15 and carries massive implications both financially and competitively.

The 20-team tournament has already been clouded by political tensions after Bangladesh refused to play matches in India due to security concerns, leading to their replacement by Scotland.

In response, the Pakistan government barred the national side from participating in the high-profile Group A encounter against co-hosts India.

Pakistan, which opened their campaign with a victory over the Netherlands on February 7, stands to lose two vital points and suffer a significant blow to its net run rate if it forfeits the contest.

READ: Pakistan, India World Cup clash to go ahead as per schedule: sources