PAK vs BAN: PCB announces revised T20I series schedule

PAK vs BAN: PCB announces revised T20I series schedule

Lahore, 21 May 2025 – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially issued the revised schedule for the much-anticipated three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.

According to the updated itinerary, all matches will be held under lights at Lahore’s historic Gaddafi Stadium, running from 28 May to 1 June 2025.

The series will kick off with the opening T20I on Wednesday, 28 May, followed by the second encounter on Friday, 30 May. The third and final T20I will take place on Sunday, 1 June. All matches are set to begin at 8:00 PM local time, promising thrilling evening action for fans. Bangladesh’s squad is expected to arrive in Lahore on 25 May, with training sessions scheduled on 26 and 27 May for acclimatization and preparation.

The PCB is gearing up to deliver a high-energy series that not only brings top-tier international cricket to Pakistan but also serves as a crucial platform for evaluating new talent. The three-match T20I series marks the beginning of a new era, being the first under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Mike Hesson. Known for his strategic mindset, Hesson is expected to inject fresh ideas and performance-driven selection policies into Pakistan’s shortest-format setup.

In a bold move, the PCB has unveiled a revamped 16-member squad, omitting stalwarts Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi. This decision has generated considerable buzz in cricketing circles and signals a transitional phase for Pakistan’s T20I ambitions. The squad was picked largely based on standout performances from the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), underscoring the board’s commitment to merit-based inclusion.

Salman Ali Agha will continue as captain, with Shadab Khan serving as vice-captain. Key names such as Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah offer experience and firepower. Notable inclusions include Saim Ayub, returning after recovering from injury, and Sahibzada Farhan, back in the side for the first time since 2018 following his explosive PSL season where he scored 394 runs at a strike rate of 154.50.

The PCB believes this T20I series will be a stepping stone toward shaping a competitive squad for upcoming international challenges. Fans from both nations are eagerly awaiting this exciting showdown between Pakistan and Bangladesh at one of cricket’s most iconic venues.