Tag: Bangladesh

Iftekhar Rahman, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director, has confirmed that veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan remains very much in the selectors’ consideration.

Shakib, 38, made a quiet return to competitive cricket last week after nearly six months on the sidelines, turning out for Lahore Qalandars in three matches during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

The comeback followed a clearance of his bowling action by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which had deemed it illegal across formats in December last year after his stint with Surrey.

His return, however, has not been a headline-grabber. With two ducks and just one wicket in three outings, Shakib’s impact has been minimal, but that hasn’t closed the door on a possible comeback.

“Shakib will always be in the consideration of the selectors and the team management,” Iftekhar said on Monday. “He is an asset for any team. He is a world-class cricketer.”

Shakib Al Hasan last played for Bangladesh in the second Test against India in Kanpur back in October.

Ahead of that match, he had announced plans to end his Test career on home soil against South Africa and declared his T20I retirement.

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However, widespread student protests in the wake of the Awami League’s fall from power on August 5, the same party Shakib represents in parliament, derailed those plans.

Since then, he hasn’t returned to Bangladesh, and the BCB has kept its distance, excluding him from squads, including for the Champions Trophy.

“He has just returned after correcting his bowling action. Let him play a few more matches, and I think then we can answer the question [about his return],” Iftekhar added.

Bangladesh’s cricketing landscape has shifted significantly in Shakib’s absence. The team recently lost a T20I series 2-1 to the UAE in Sharjah and now prepares to face Pakistan in a three-match series in Lahore.

“It is a relatively new team without the four senior players (Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah),” Iftekhar acknowledged.

“There’s a void in the team. I think we have the talent among the current crop of players, but they lack application. The more they play, the better they will get.”

READ: “I would always have Babar Azam in the team,” says former Pakistan head coach

LAHORE: Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has aimed for a strong showing against Pakistan, despite key players’ absence from the squad.

While addressing the media here, Simmons expressed optimism ahead of the upcoming series.

“This is a good opportunity for us to play quality cricket,” Simmons told reporters.

Simmons deemed Pakistan a dangerous opponent, despite opposing results in the past years.

“Pakistan is a dangerous team, and we are not going to take them lightly,” he remarked.

“Everyone is saying Pakistan hasn’t been playing well, but Pakistan is still Pakistan – they have the ability to beat anyone,” Simmons explained.

The 62-year-old also said the players who had featured in the PSL have provided valuable insights about the conditions.

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“Some of our players have featured in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and they have gathered helpful insights about the local conditions from them, he said.

Phil Simmons also saw the absence of senior players as an opportunity for youngsters.

“When senior players are missing, it gives a chance to the youngsters, and one of them often turns out to be a good find. Mustafizur Rahman is an important player for their side, but unfortunately, he won’t be part of the team for the upcoming series,” he lamented.

Despite missing experienced players, Simmons remained optimistic, noting that “We will miss our key players, but we aim to put up a good performance with the current squad.”

Reflecting on his time as a player, he said, “I have great memories in Pakistan – I built some very fond moments during my playing career here.”

He also praised the inclusion of former fast bowler Shaun Tait in the coaching setup, calling it a valuable addition.

“We hope to improve our cricket by playing well in this series,” Simmons concluded.

READ: Mike Hesson confirms Babar, Rizwan in Pakistan white-ball plans

LAHORE: Bangladesh have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their three-match T20I series against Pakistan, as pace spearhead Mustafizur Rahman has been ruled out due to injury.

The left-arm fast bowler sustained a thumb injury during his final Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 appearance for Delhi Capitals against Punjab Kings on May 24.

The incident occurred when Mustafizur was struck on his left thumb while attempting a return catch off a powerful drive from Josh Inglis. He immediately left the field and did not return.

Subsequent scans revealed a clip fracture in the thumb. Bangladesh team physio Delowar Hossain confirmed the injury and stated that Mustafizur will need at least two to three weeks of rest before undergoing a reassessment.

“Mustafizur sustained a clip fracture on his left thumb during his last IPL match. He needs time for rest and recovery. A follow-up assessment will be carried out after two weeks to evaluate his progress,” Delowar said.

In Mustafizur’s absence, right-arm pacer Khaled Ahmed has been drafted into the squad.

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The 31-year-old has been in stellar form across domestic cricket this season, claiming 77 wickets at an impressive average of 21.74 across formats.

He was also a standout performer in the recent Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he picked up 20 wickets at 21.55.

Khaled becomes the third addition to the squad after changes due to unavailability.

Earlier, Nahid Rana opted out of the tour due to personal reasons, while Soumya Sarkar was sidelined with a back injury and subsequently replaced by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is set to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with matches scheduled for May 28, May 30, and June 1.

Bangladesh’s updated squad for Pakistan T20Is

Litton Das (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Zakir Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-captain), Tanvir Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam.

READ: Bangladesh squad arrive in Lahore for Pakistan T20Is

LAHORE: The final batch of Bangladesh cricket team members, including four players and support staff, landed in Lahore on Monday ahead of the three-match T20I series against Pakistan.

This group features key players Litton Das, Shoriful Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Towhid Hridoy. They join the rest of the squad, completing Bangladesh’s staggered arrival in Pakistan for the series.

Earlier on Sunday, a 10-member contingent touched down in Lahore, which included Hasan Mahmud, Tanvir Islam, Parvez Hossain Emon, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, among others.

Originally slated as a five-match series with the first game scheduled for May 25 in Faisalabad, the tour was revised due to logistical complications and updated security protocols.

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Following a high-level meeting between PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and top Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials, Nazmul Abedeen and BCB president Farooq Ahmed, the two boards mutually agreed to a shortened, three-match series.

Under the revised schedule, all T20Is will now be held at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with matches scheduled for May 28, May 30, and June 1.

Pakistan-Bangladesh Squads

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub.

Bangladesh: Litton Das (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Zakir Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-captain), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam.

READ: ‘I’m truly humbled’: Sikandar Raza reflects on match-winning knock in PSL 10 final

LAHORE: The Bangladesh cricket team touched down in Pakistan on Sunday for the much-anticipated upcoming three-match T20I series.

The 10-member contingent of the team features players as well as members of the support staff.

The contingent who reached Punjab’s capital is Hasan Mahmood and Mohammad Tanvir Islam, along with support staff members Parvez Hussain, Tanzim Hasan, and Saqib, among others. The remaining members of the squad are scheduled to arrive tomorrow.

It is pertinent to mention that two members of Bangladesh are already in Pakistan. Leg spinner Rishad Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are currently playing for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

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Mehidy, initially not included in the squad, was named as the replacement for the opener Soumya Sarkar, who was ruled out of the series due to an injury.

The three-match T20I series between Bangladesh and Pakistan is set to commence on 28 May at the Gaddafi Stadium, while the second and third T20Is are scheduled on May 30 and June 1, respectively.

Squads

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper) and Saim Ayub.

Bangladesh: Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-capt), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Shoriful Islam.

READ: Ashley Noffke named as bowling coach in revamped Pakistan team management

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Saturday, unveiled the ticket prices for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.

The series will begin on May 28, with the second and third matches taking place on May 30 and June 1, respectively.

All matches are scheduled to be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and the first ball will be bowled at 8 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST).

Tickets will be available to fans from 25 May onwards at TCS Express Centres only.

In the first phase, tickets will be available tomorrow at TCS Express centres located at Davis Road and Gulberg, Lahore.

To encourage fans to come to the ground, affordable ticket prices have been set for the series between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The general enclosures (Hanif Mohammad, Imtiaz Ahmed, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Saeed Ahmed) at the Gaddafi Stadium will be available to fans at PKR 200.

The first-class enclosures (Abdul Hafeez Kardar, Abdul Qadir, Javed Miandad and Sarfaraz Nawaz) will be available at PKR 300, while the premium enclosures (Rajas and Saeed Anwar) will be available to fans at PKR 400.

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The VIP enclosures (Fazal Mahmood and Imran Khan) will be available to fans at PKR 500.

Moreover, Majid Khan and Zaheer Abbas (VVIP enclosures) at the Jinnah End and Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram (VVIP enclosures) at the Iqbal End will be available to fans at PKR 2,000.

Additionally, the fans can witness action from the Gallery (hospitality) boxes at PKR 2,000.

Fans wishing to watch their cricketing stars can buy a maximum of four tickets on one CNIC card.

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Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday named Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the replacement of all-rounder Soumya Sarkar in their squad ahead of the T20I series against Pakistan.

Soumya Sarkar has been experiencing pain on the right side of his lower back for the past week. Although he was included in the squad, he did not play in the T20I series against the United Arab Emirates, which Bangladesh lost 2-1.

Bangladesh team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan shed light on the injury of Soumya Sarkar, mentioning that he requires two weeks to get fit.

“Following medical evaluation, it has been determined that the injury requires an extended rehabilitation period of approximately 10 to 12 days. This effectively means he will not be available for next week’s three-match series in Pakistan,” Bayjedul said.

Following the injury confirmation of Soumya Sarkar, BCB named all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz as a replacement, currently featuring in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 for Lahore Qalandars.

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The right-hander has featured in 29 T20Is so far and he is set to join the national team on the conclusion of PSL 10.

For the unversed, Bangladesh were initially scheduled to play five T20Is in Pakistan, starting May 25 in Faisalabad.

However, the fixture list has been scaled down to three matches, all to be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Bangladesh are scheduled to arrive in Lahore on 25 May, with training sessions planned for 26 and 27 May to ensure optimal preparation ahead of the series. All three matches will begin at 8pm local time.

Updated Bangladesh squad for T20Is against Pakistan :

Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-capt), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Shoriful Islam

Pakistan-Bangladesh T20I series schedule:

• 28 May – 1st T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 30 May – 2nd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 1 June – 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Wednesday, announced the revised schedule for the highly anticipated three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.

The series will take place at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium from 28 May to 1 June 2025.

The action-packed series will kick off with the first T20I on Wednesday, 28 May, followed by the second fixture on Friday, 30 May. The third and final T20I is set to take place on Sunday, 1 June.

Bangladesh are scheduled to arrive in Lahore on 25 May, with training sessions planned for 26 and 27 May to ensure optimal preparation ahead of the series. All three matches will begin at 8pm local time.

Pakistan-Bangladesh Schedule

28 May – 1st T20I, Lahore

30 May – 2nd T20I, Lahore

1 June – 3rd T20I, Lahore

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Squads

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper) and Saim Ayub

Bangladesh: Litton Das (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-captain), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Wednesday, announced the squad for the upcoming home T20I series against Bangladesh.

The cricket board confirmed in its press release that Salman Ali Agha, appointed as white-ball captain prior to the New Zealand tour, will continue to lead the team.

“The selection committee has named a 16-member men’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, with Salman Ali Agha continuing as captain of the team,” the press release stated.

“The squad has been selected based on players’ performances in the ongoing HBL PSL X, which concludes on 25 May. This series also marks the first assignment for newly appointed head coach Mike Hesson.”

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The star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan remained out of the T20I squad despite their good showings with the bat during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10.

Meanwhile, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan and Abdul Samad, who were part of the squad during the New Zealand tour, were also dropped.

It’s worth noting that all three matches of the T20I series will be held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Meanwhile, the schedule for the series will be announced soon.

Pakistan squad for Bangladesh series

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper) and Saim Ayub

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The Bangladesh men’s cricket team, after weeks of uncertainty, has officially confirmed its tour of Pakistan for a three-match T20I series, set to be played entirely in Lahore.

The confirmation comes as a significant breakthrough following extensive diplomatic efforts by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The green light for the series came after PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Chairman Nazmul Abedeen and President Farooq Ahmed in Dubai.

Sources reveal the meeting lasted several hours, with Naqvi making a special one-day trip to the UAE to salvage the series.

Initially, Bangladesh were scheduled to play five T20Is in Pakistan, starting May 25 in Faisalabad.

However, the fixture list has been scaled down to three matches, all to be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The updated schedule will be announced in the coming days.

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This development ends the cloud of doubt that hovered over the tour due to regional tensions and logistical complications following the mid-season pause in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Sources suggest that negative propaganda and heightened India-Pakistan hostilities had earlier made some Bangladesh players hesitant to travel to Pakistan.

However, Chairman Naqvi’s personal intervention proved decisive. The PCB chief expressed his gratitude to the BCB leadership for finalising the tour and reaffirming their commitment to bilateral cricket.

The upcoming series will mark another step forward in rebuilding cricketing ties between the two nations.

Bangladesh will be led by seasoned wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das, who took over the T20I captaincy earlier this year following Najmul Hossain Shanto’s resignation.

Bangladesh squad for T20Is in UAE and Pakistan:

Litton Das (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (vice-captain), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam.

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