Surprisingly, some of the country’s biggest cricket stars have been left out, sparking debate and curiosity among fans and experts alike.

The three-match T20 series will be played entirely in Lahore, with the official match schedule expected to be released very soon.

Also read: Babar Azam makes PSL history, leaves everyone behind

The biggest surprise? Top players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been dropped from the squad. Their exclusion has raised eyebrows across the cricket world. PCB officials, however, say it’s part of a new long-term strategy and a chance to test fresh talent.

Taking the lead in this new chapter, Salman Ali Agha has been named captain, while all-rounder Shadab Khan will serve as vice-captain for the series.

Who’s in the new squad?

The announced team includes a mix of youth and experience:

Abrar Ahmed

Faheem Ashraf

Fakhar Zaman

Haris Rauf

Hasan Ali

Hasan Nawaz

Hussain Talat

Mohammad Irfan Khan

Khushdil Shah

Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper)

Mohammad Wasim Jr.

Naseem Shah

Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper)

Saim Ayub

According to the PCB, this squad is designed to give young players a platform to shine and to build a strong combination ahead of upcoming major international tournaments. The Bangladesh series is being seen as a testing ground for the new lineup, and fans are eager to see how the new faces perform under pressure.

Cricket lovers across Pakistan are already debating the decision to rest key stars like Babar Azam. Some believe it s a necessary risk, while others feel the team may lack experience. Either way, this series is set to be one of the most interesting and unpredictable in recent times.

Will Pakistan’s fresh squad deliver big results or struggle without its senior stars? The cricket world is watching.