Salman Agha Backs Babar, Rizwan & Shaheen for Key Role in Pakistan’s White-Ball Future
LAHORE — Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has voiced strong support for the inclusion of senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi in upcoming white-ball campaigns, ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 and a busy international schedule.
Though currently absent from the T20I squad for the Bangladesh tour, the trio is participating in a week-long training camp alongside the national team. Babar and Rizwan were last seen in Pakistan’s T20I colors during the South Africa tour in December 2024, while Shaheen featured in the New Zealand series in March 2025.
“We’ve identified a core pool of 25 players for the World Cup. Babar, Rizwan, and others are key assets who bring balance and depth,” said Agha in a media briefing. He praised Shaheen Afridi as a “world-class bowler” vital for Pakistan’s white-ball future.
The series against Bangladesh marks the first challenge under new head coach Mike Hesson. After the Dhaka leg, Pakistan will tour the USA for a T20I series against West Indies (August 1–4) followed by an ODI series in Trinidad (August 8–12).
Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I Series Schedule:
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka
1st T20I: 20 July (6 PM local)
2nd T20I: 22 July (6 PM local)
3rd T20I: 24 July (6 PM local)
Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh T20Is:
Salman Ali Agha (C), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Sufyan Moqim
