No Place for Babar, Rizwan – Pakistan Announced 15-Member Squad for Bangladesh Series

In a bold and unexpected move, Pakistan announced a 15-member squad for the Bangladesh series, leaving out star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. This surprising development has sent ripples across the cricketing world, as the team prepares for a crucial away series without its most dependable top-order batters.

Babar Azam, widely regarded as one of the best batters in the world across all formats, and Rizwan, known for his consistency and ability to stabilize the innings, are both missing from the list. Their absence has sparked speculation and debate about the direction the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is heading, especially with important series on the horizon.

Adding to the surprise is the omission of Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf. While Hasan’s exclusion seems tactical, Haris Rauf is reportedly sidelined due to an injury sustained during the Major Cricket League (MCL). This leaves Pakistan’s bowling unit looking considerably thin in experience, especially in the pace department.

Official 15-Member Squad for Bangladesh Series

• Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
• Abrar Ahmed
• Ahmed Daniyal
• Faheem Ashraf
• Fakhar Zaman
• Hassan Nawaz
• Hussain Talat
• Khushdil Shah
• Mohammad Abbas Afridi
• Mohammad Haris (Wicketkeeper)
• Mohammad Nawaz
• Sahibzada Farhan (Wicketkeeper)
• Saim Ayub
• Salman Mirza
• Sufyan Moqim

The selection of Hussain Talat, Ahmed Daniyal, Salman Mirza, and Mohammad Nawaz has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits. Many of these players have been absent from the international spotlight or inconsistent in domestic cricket, making their inclusion surprising. Questions are being asked about the metrics and performance indicators used to select them over more established names.

Leadership responsibilities will now fall on Salman Ali Agha, who has limited experience at the highest level. Backed by the likes of Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf, the squad leans heavily on potential rather than proven performance. Mohammad Haris and Sahibzada Farhan will be battling for the wicketkeeper’s slot, both of whom are still early in their international careers.

In terms of batting depth, the team lacks the usual assurance that Babar and Rizwan provided. Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Khushdil Shah will be key to setting or chasing targets, but their form and consistency have been under scrutiny in recent months.

On the bowling front, the absence of Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali means young fast bowlers like Mohammad Abbas Afridi and Ahmed Daniyal will need to step up. Abrar Ahmed will lead the spin department, with support from Mohammad Nawaz and Khushdil Shah as part-time options.

Analysts suggest this squad may be part of a longer-term strategy, especially with the Australia tour of Pakistan in 2026 on the horizon. The PCB might be using this tour as a testing ground for building bench strength, although the decision comes with significant risk given Bangladesh’s solid form at home.

Fans have taken to social media to express mixed reactions. While some applaud the chance given to younger players, others are skeptical of leaving out proven match-winners at such a critical time. A former selector commented, “This is either the smartest gamble or the biggest blunder.”

Off the field, Pakistanis are gearing up for tech innovations. The realme 14 series launching in Pakistan on July 14 is anticipated to attract mid-range phone users with impressive specs. Meanwhile, budget-conscious buyers are showing strong interest in the POCO C75, hailed for its value-for-money features under PKR 30,000.

With the tour set to begin soon, all eyes will be on Pakistan’s new-look team. Will this reshuffled 15-member squad rise to the challenge or struggle without its most consistent performers? Either way, the results will have a lasting impact on team strategy and selections for future high-stakes series.

Final Thoughts: Experiment or Gamble?

While some may appreciate PCB’s bold strategy, many believe this was not the time to rest senior players or test raw talent. Bangladesh, though not ranked among the top T20 sides, have the ability to cause upsets—especially at home or neutral venues.

If this series ends in defeat, it will not only dent Pakistan’s T20 rankings but also undermine the morale of players who are missing out. PCB must clearly communicate whether this is a planned experiment or a result of selection politics.

For now, the bold move to exclude Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan defines a new chapter in Pakistan cricket—one that could either open doors to emerging talent or highlight the risks of experimentation at the highest level.