Star Pakistan players likely to miss upcoming Bangladesh series: Reports

Pakistan cricket team will start its training camp on July 8 at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi in preparation for their three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Nevertheless, the team is dealing with a number of injury issues that have the potential to have a major effect on its makeup.

Most seriously affected is vice-captain and all-rounder Shadab Khan. According to sources, Shadab is set to fly to the United Kingdom for surgery on his right shoulder after fighting constant pain in the past few months. The medical specialists have allegedly suggested surgery as the best chance of recovery, effectively excluding him from the Bangladesh tour. 

The fitness concerns don't stop there. Talented pacers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr. are also battling fitness and are still in doubt for the series. Their likely absence would add to Pakistan's bowling weakness, especially against the backdrop of already conservative handling of players' workloads.

Key Players Absent as Pakistan Looks to Youngsters for Bangladesh Tour

In light of these disappointments, selectors are searching for new talent. Among the new names likely to be included is Salman Mirza, who was the talk of the most recent season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Playing for Lahore Qalandars, Salman managed nine wickets from only four games, averaging 15.00 with an economy rate of 9.64, an effort that earned him admirers and now a probable call-up to the national team.

ALSO SEE: Ben Stokes on Rishabh Pant: A Dangerous Genius I Love Watching

Left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem is also a confirmed addition. He has already impressed at the international level with 18 wickets in 10 T20Is. Express pacer Haris Rauf will also be part of the team but is not likely to feature in any of the three games, as the team prefers to deal with his comeback carefully.

Interestingly, senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, who were rested in the last home series against Bangladesh, are also not yet in the immediate plans. There is no word on any timeline for their return to international cricket as yet.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that all three T20Is will be played at Dhaka's Shere-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on July 20, 22, and 24, all at 5:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time. The Pakistan team will arrive in Dhaka on July 16.

With several first-choice players unavailable and a few newcomers among the mix, the upcoming series is an ideal chance for Pakistan's bench strength to rise to the challenge and make an impression before a hectic international schedule.