Mike Hesson to begin coaching stint as Pakistan unveils revamped T20 team
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, making headlines with the exclusion of senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi. The move signals a shift in strategy towards youth development and team rebuilding.
Salman Ali Agha will continue as captain, with Shadab Khan appointed vice-captain. This will also mark the first assignment for Mike Hesson, Pakistan’s newly appointed head coach.
The squad was selected following the conclusion of PSL 10, with performances in the tournament heavily influencing decisions. The PCB described the lineup as a balanced mix of emerging players and experienced names, aimed at long-term planning for global events.
Pakistan’s T20I Squad vs Bangladesh:
- Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
- Shadab Khan (Vice-Captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Hassan Ali
- Hassan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Haris (Wicketkeeper)
- Mohammad Wasim Jr
- Mohammad Irfan Khan
- Naseem Shah
- Sahibzada Farhan (Wicketkeeper)
- Saim Ayub
All three matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, with dates and timings to be released soon.
The decision to rest senior players and promote rising talent has sparked curiosity and excitement among fans, who are eager to see how the young squad performs on home soil under the new leadership.
