Babar, Shaheen, and Rizwan Called Up for Pakistan Camp Despite Missing Bangladesh Tour

In a telling development that hints at the futures of senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, the trio have been called up to the national white-ball training camp in Karachi alongside the 15-member squad heading for the tour.

Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen are not part of the touring party, which was announced yesterday, but will get a chance to prepare with the team for future assignments. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced that the trio have been added as additional players to the training group, which also includes the squad named for the three-match T20I tour.

The camp will be held at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from July 9 to 15, and all players are expected to report on Wednesday (today).

The decision to involve these senior players in a preparatory setting likely signals their involvement in future series. With Pakistan not playing any international cricket for nearly a month, and Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen even longer, the idea is to keep them ready for a recall as early as Pakistan’s series against the West Indies if the ODIs retain their place.

Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen are not the only established names who will be at the training camp despite missing out on a place in the team. Naseem Shah and Wasim Jr have also been called up as the duo continues to work on match fitness.

This initiative is seen as part of the PCB’s broader effort to build a new T20I side while ensuring continuity and mentoring across formats. While rotation has opened the door for younger players to feature in the Bangladesh series, the presence of Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen in the camp reinforces that the senior core remains involved and available for future assignments.