Pakistan-Bangladesh T20I series trimmed to three matches

IANS May 21, 2025 277 views

The Pakistan-Bangladesh T20I series has been streamlined to three matches, all hosted in Lahore's iconic Gaddafi Stadium. This strategic reduction reflects both cricket boards' commitment to player workload management and focused preparation for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Salman Ali Agha will lead Pakistan in his captaincy debut, bringing fresh energy to the squad. The series represents an important opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies and assess player performance ahead of a major international tournament.

"We are focused on quality preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup" - PCB Official
Lahore, May 21: Pakistan and Bangladesh will now play a three-match T20I series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, beginning May 28.

Key Points

1

Reduced series aims to manage player workload before global tournament

2

Salman Ali Agha debuts as Pakistan captain

3

All matches will be played in Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium

4

Serves as crucial preparation for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

The series, initially designed to include three One-Day Internationals and three T20Is, was first restructured into five T20Is across Lahore and Faisalabad, but has now been truncated to just three T20 Internationals, all taking place in Lahore, due to logistical adjustments and preparation timelines ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the final schedule, with the opening match scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, followed by the second T20I on Friday, May 20, and the final game on Sunday, June 1.

All three games will be hosted under lights at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, marking the return of international white-ball action to Lahore and providing fans with a short but significant series featuring two teams looking to fine-tune their squads ahead of a major global tournament.

This series also marks the beginning of a new chapter for Pakistan cricket, with Salman Ali Agha named as captain for the series and former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson taking charge of the team in his first international assignment with Pakistan.

The squad for the series was announced earlier, reflecting a blend of regulars and emerging talent who will be eager to impress in the build-up to the T20 World Cup set for next year in India and Sri Lanka.

For Bangladesh, the tour carries equal importance. The team, captained by Litton Das, is expected to land in Lahore on 25 May, with their first training session scheduled the following day. The visitors are currently in the UAE playing a T20I series, which has served as a preparatory platform leading into the Pakistan tour.

With the reduction in matches and the consolidation of venues, both boards are looking to ensure quality preparation and minimize travel-related fatigue. The BCB and PCB have also cited the need to prioritize player workload management in a packed calendar year.

Series Schedule:

First T20I: Wednesday, May 28 - Gaddafi Stadium

Second T20I: Friday, May 30 - Gaddafi Stadium

Third T20I: Sunday, June 1 - Gaddafi Stadium

Pakistan squad: 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, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Interesting to see Pakistan-Bangladesh series reduced. As an Indian cricket fan, I hope both teams get good practice before T20 WC. But honestly, our rivalry with Pak is what we wait for! Hope BCCI schedules more India-Pak matches soon 🤞
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Priya M.
Gaddafi Stadium is such an iconic venue! Remember watching India-Pak matches there in the past. Hope security is tight for Bangladesh team. Cricket should bring nations together, not create tensions. Best wishes to both teams 🏏
A
Amit S.
PCB keeps changing schedules last minute - not professional at all! First 6 matches, then 5, now 3. How will players prepare properly? BCCI plans series much better. Hope Bangladesh gets good practice though, they're improving fast in T20s.
S
Sunita R.
Good to see new captain Salman Ali Agha for Pakistan. But why no Babar Azam? He's their best batsman! Meanwhile our Indian team is settled with Rohit leading in T20 WC. Hope Pak-Bangladesh series is competitive, but honestly India is clear favorite for next year's WC 😊
V
Vikram J.
Player workload management is crucial, but 3 matches is too short! Should have kept at least 5 T20Is. Both teams need maximum game time before big tournament. India's IPL gives our players much better preparation compared to these short bilateral series.
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Neha P.
Excited to see young talents from both sides! But honestly, cricket between these two doesn't have same thrill as India-Pak matches. Hope they put up good show though. Also, why no matches in Dhaka? Always better when both countries host.

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Tags:
Pakistan Cricket Bangladesh Cricket T20I Series Salman Ali Agha Gaddafi Stadium ICC T20 World Cup