The Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I series has been revised from five matches to three, all to be held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from May 28 to June 1, 2025. This decision was made due to security concerns and logistical challenges. The series will feature a fresh Pakistan squad under new coach Mike Hesson, while Litton Das leads Bangladesh. Both teams aim to use the matches for talent evaluation despite the changes.
The Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I series is facing a significant change. The series, originally scheduled for five matches, has now been shortened to three, with all games set to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed this revised schedule, emphasizing logistical reasons for the adjustment due to recent regional tensions and security concerns.
The matches are slated from May 28 to June 1, 2025, with all three games starting at 8:00 PM local time. Prior to the series, Bangladesh will arrive in Lahore on May 25 and has planned training sessions for the subsequent two days.
This change came after discussions between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and his Bangladeshi counterparts in Dubai. Security issues, along with the postponement of the Pakistan Super League, contributed to the PCB’s decision. Notably, the series was initially to be played in multiple locations, including Faisalabad, but has been centralized entirely in Lahore.
Mohsin Naqvi expressed gratitude towards the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for their understanding amid these challenges. “We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of the BCB during this process,” Naqvi remarked, highlighting that this new schedule ensures that Pakistani fans will still enjoy international cricket under lights.
The updated match schedule is as follows: the first T20I will be on May 28, the second on May 30, and the final match is set for June 1, all at Gaddafi Stadium.
On the team front, this tour marks Pakistan’s debut under new head coach Mike Hesson. In a striking move, key players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have been omitted as selectors look to deepen the squad’s capabilities.
Saim Ayub makes a return, having missed some action earlier due to injury, alongside Sahibzada Farhan, who currently leads the run-scoring charts in the PSL. His impressive domestic form has earned him a chance in the national squad, as he last played in a T20I back in 2018.
For the Bangladesh side, Litton Das will captain the team after taking over the role from Najmul Hossain Shanto earlier this year. Mahedi Hasan serves as vice-captain for this tour.
While the series has been truncated, it provides both teams with a platform to evaluate emerging talent. Hesson’s new-look Pakistan will spotlight upcoming players, while Bangladesh aims to build on its new leadership. The three matches are expected to deliver competitive cricket, showcasing both nations’ resolve to maximize the opportunities amid revised circumstances.
In summary, the Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I series has been shortened from five to three matches, moving entirely to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from May 28 to June 1, 2025. With several top players omitted from Pakistan’s squad under new coach Mike Hesson, the series serves as a critical testing ground for emerging talent. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, led by Litton Das, will look to progress under new leadership. Despite logistical challenges, the series promises to deliver exciting cricket amid a shortened format.
Original Source: www.wisden.com
