The Pakistan cricket team is preparing for its upcoming tour of Bangladesh, but fitness issues have forced major reshuffling in the squad. Following vice-captain Shadab Khan’s injury, fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr. have also been sidelined due to fitness concerns, prompting selectors to make tough decisions and potential replacements.
Shadab Khan Ruled Out for Several Months
Vice-captain Shadab Khan has been ruled out of cricket for at least three months due to a shoulder injury that requires surgery. As a result, he will miss several key assignments including the Bangladesh and West Indies tours, the tri-nation series, and the all-important Asia Cup. The absence of such a senior and experienced player will certainly leave a void in Pakistan’s T20 setup.
In Shadab’s place, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to appoint wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Haris as the vice-captain. Haris impressed in Pakistan’s previous series in Bangladesh, where he was named Player of the Series for his consistent performances with the bat.
Fast Bowling Concerns: Naseem Shah and Wasim Jr. Injured
Adding to the concerns, fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr. are also struggling with fitness and are unlikely to be part of the Bangladesh tour. This has forced the selectors to explore new bowling options. Promising left-arm spinner Sufyan Muqeem, who impressed with his performances in domestic cricket, is likely to replace Shadab in the squad.
Another name expected to make his debut is right-arm pacer Salman Mirza. Known for his fiery spells with Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Mirza could add depth and variation to the pace attack.
Senior Trio Likely to Be Rested
According to sources, there is little hope for the inclusion of senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi in the squad for the Bangladesh tour. The selection committee appears inclined towards testing a younger core group, providing much-needed rest to the experienced players while giving emerging stars a chance to shine on the international stage.
Fast bowler Haris Rauf will be part of the squad, although he may be rested for one or two matches due to workload management. The PCB is trying to strike a balance between giving opportunities to upcoming talent and managing the physical well-being of its mainstays.
Expected Squad and Preparations
The upcoming squad will likely retain the majority of players from the previous home series against Bangladesh, with the addition of Sufyan Muqeem and Salman Mirza. The expected lineup includes:
- Batsmen: Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Muhammad Haris, Hassan Nawaz
- All-rounders: Salman Ali Agha, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat
- Spinners: Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan Muqeem
- Pacers: Abbas Afridi, Hassan Ali, Haris Rauf, Salman Mirza
- Middle-order: Irfan Khan Niazi
The national training camp is scheduled to begin on July 8 at the National Stadium in Karachi. Head coach Mike Hesson will arrive a day earlier, on July 7, to oversee the training sessions and preparations. Hesson’s role, currently on a temporary basis, may also be solidified soon as PCB is working to finalize its coaching staff appointments.
Awaiting Confirmation from West Indies
Meanwhile, the PCB is awaiting confirmation from the West Indies Cricket Board regarding the structure of the upcoming series. Depending on their response, the series could either feature five T20 Internationals or be split into three ODIs and three T20Is. This decision will significantly impact team composition and workload planning.
PCB’s Administrative Developments
In addition to the player and match updates, the PCB is also finalizing appointments off the field. The board recently advertised the position of Director Medicine, and an appointment is expected soon. This move reflects the PCB’s emphasis on strengthening player fitness and medical oversight, especially after the recent injury setbacks.
While injuries have created challenges, they have also opened the door for several young players to make their mark on the international stage. The upcoming Bangladesh tour will be a test of Pakistan’s bench strength and an opportunity to build a resilient, performance-driven squad ahead of major tournaments like the Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup.
