Pakistan cricket team’s next international challenge will be in Bangladesh, and to deal with their difficult conditions, PCB is likely to recall Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem after leaving them out of the recent home series.
According to journalist Saleem Khaliq, the duo is set to return to the international team for the three-match series in July.
Both bowlers missed the recent home series against Bangladesh as part of Mike Hesson’s plan of giving youngsters a chance in familiar conditions. The coach has always prioritised statistics and likely feels that Shaheen Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem will give the team a better chance of winning in Bangladesh’s slow conditions.
Shaheen Afridi, who last played a T20I in March, will likely take his place as the team’s preferred left-arm pace option. If selected, this will be his first involvement in cricket since leading Lahore Qalandars to a historic PSL title.
Sufiyan Muqeem’s recall, meanwhile, gives Pakistan a specialist left-arm wrist-spin option, something that has proved valuable in his young career. The 25-year-old has picked up 18 wickets in 10 games in his young career, and Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Agha had already hinted at his return.
With Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, and Khushdil Shah already steady options, Sufiyan will add further depth on pitches expected to offer something to spinners.
The Bangladesh series will be Mike Hesson’s first assignment outside of Pakistan, and he will be hoping his inclusions can help keep the team’s winning run going.
The T20I series in Bangladesh is viewed as a key phase in Pakistan’s build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, as it looks to solidify the T20 core.
The full squad for the Bangladesh series is expected to be announced later this month.
