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.

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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.

In a fresh development ahead of Pakistan’s new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the acting head coach of the men’s red-ball team. The appointment comes following the exit of Australian Jason Gillespie, with Mahmood stepping up after previously serving as the team’s bowling coach and assistant head coach.

A familiar face within the Pakistan setup, Mahmood brings both continuity and experience. His stint as a player saw him feature in 21 Tests and 143 ODIs for Pakistan, and in the years following retirement, he carved out a respectable coaching career, most notably with Pakistan and several T20 franchises globally.

"A seasoned cricketing mind, Azhar Mahmood steps into the role with an impressive portfolio of experience," the PCB said in an official statement. “His deep knowledge of the game, combined with hands-on international exposure and proven success in the English county circuit, makes him exceptionally well-suited for this position.”

The statement also highlighted Mahmood’s domestic red-ball success in England, where he clinched two County Championship titles, an achievement that speaks to his understanding of long-format cricket and leadership.

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Azhar Mahmood’s Interim Stint Begins with South Africa Challenge in New WTC Cycle

Former pacer and 1992 World Cup winner Aaqib Javed had been filling in on an interim basis after Gillespie’s departure last year. With Mahmood’s elevation, Pakistan hopes to adopt a more structured approach as it builds towards a new WTC campaign.

Mahmood’s first big challenge will be a home Test series against South Africa later this year, marking the beginning of Pakistan’s journey in the new WTC cycle. The two-match series promises to be a stern test for a team in transition, but one that the PCB believes Mahmood is well-equipped to handle.

"The PCB is confident that under Azhar’s guidance, the red-ball squad will continue to grow in strength, discipline, and performance on the global stage,” the statement concluded. With a blend of modern tactics and traditional red-ball sensibility, Mahmood's tenure, though interim, could shape the direction of Pakistan's Test cricket in the years to come.

Azhar Mahmood has been appointed the acting red-ball head coach of the Pakistan men's national team. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Mahmood will serve in the role until the conclusion of his current contract, which spans Pakistan's upcoming Test assignments against South Africa in October and Sri Lanka in December-January—both at home.

Mahmood, who has been Pakistan’s assistant coach since April last year, previously took charge as head coach during the T20I series at home against New Zealand earlier this year. The 50-year-old former all-rounder represented Pakistan in 143 ODIs and 21 Tests from 1996, retiring with 162 international wickets and three centuries to his name.

“A seasoned cricketing mind, Azhar Mahmood steps into the role with an impressive portfolio of experience,” the PCB noted in a statement. “Having served as the assistant head coach of the national side, Azhar has long been a pivotal part of the team's strategic core. His deep knowledge of the game, combined with hands-on international exposure and proven success in the English county circuit, make him exceptionally well-suited for this position."

A Leadership Role Rooted in Experience

“His red-ball pedigree is underscored by two County Championship titles [with Surrey]—an achievement that speaks volumes about his leadership, tactical acumen, and unwavering commitment to excellence,” the PCB added. “The PCB is confident that under Azhar's guidance, the red-ball squad will continue to grow in strength, discipline, and performance on the global stage."

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Pakistan has not had a full-time Test head coach since Jason Gillespie stepped down in December 2024, just six months into his tenure. Aaqib Javed then served as interim head coach for the tours to South Africa and the home series against the West Indies. He also stepped in temporarily for the white-ball squad after Gary Kirsten’s resignation in October 2024. Mike Hesson has since taken over that role. Pakistan ended the last WTC cycle at the bottom of the table, with only five wins in 14 matches.

There appears to be a breakthrough in the long-running Asia Cup imbroglio. Though it might still be a tad premature to make full conclusions regarding the future of the tournament, there is increasing optimism around the continental showpiece. This is a significant departure from the cloud of uncertainty that had loomed large over the event as a result of the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.

Although nothing official has been finalized, strong indications suggest that a formal decision could be reached as early as next week. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is reportedly planning to release the full schedule for the six-team competition in the first week of July, coinciding with a scheduled meeting. If all goes as planned, the tournament is likely to start during the second week of September.

The Asia Cup, to be played in the T20 format this season, is expected to start on September 10. Besides India and Pakistan, who are conventional powerhouses, other countries participating are Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE. In fact, promotional activities have already begun in anticipation of the event’s successful organization.

Venue and Political Tensions at the Forefront

The UAE remains the frontrunner to host the tournament, though discussions are ongoing regarding a potential hybrid format. While India is the official host this time, the ACC had previously resolved that when it's India's or Pakistan's turn, the event would be held at a neutral venue to avoid political complications. The April terror attack in Pahalgam and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor in May had sown considerable doubt over the Asia Cup amid calls in India to boycott Pakistan in multilateral cricket.

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While there have been political shenanigans, recent developments suggest that a softening of positions is possible. The ICC recently announced fixtures for two global events—the Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka and the Women’s T20 World Cup in England—where India and Pakistan are scheduled to clash. These marquee matchups remain crucial revenue sources for global cricket. While India and the BCCI are financially secure without them, entities like the ICC and ACC heavily depend on such high-profile games.

The Cricket Australia (CA) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are striving to build a more robust cricketing tie, and negotiations are being conducted to arrange bilateral series between their respective A teams, U19 teams, and women's national teams. This is a major move towards building cricketing avenues for both countries.

Both boards are reflecting renewed interest in developmental cooperation, according to people close to the situation. Australia has been named by the PCB as a chief partner in its high-performance strategy, with special emphasis on structured bilateral interactions and long-term player development.

The negotiations are part of an overall vision by the PCB's High-Performance Centre, headed by Director Aqib Javed, to provide young Pakistani players with greater international exposure. The planned series will afford Pakistan's Shaheens, U19, and women's teams the unique chance to confront the Australian conditions, a priceless experience that would hasten their development. Likewise, CA developmental squads are set to tour Pakistan, an initiative that will aid the resumption of top-level cricket at all levels in the nation.

One of the highlights of enhanced relations is the hassle-free process for issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Pakistani players for this year's Big Bash League (BBL). In contrast to previous instances where delay in documentation frequently inhibited participation, players were cleared before the BBL draft, making it easier for them to reach the tournament.

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PCB and Cricket Australia To Plan Combined Tours, Training Programs, and Increased Cricketing Relationships

In addition, the PCB is also looking at academy exchange programs with other leading cricketing countries like Australia and England. These arrangements should provide opportunities for Pakistani youngsters to receive elite-level coaching abroad, as well as bring in international coaching talent to operate inside Pakistan's development pipeline.

This renewed confidence is already affecting other areas of cricket. More Australian players are set to be involved in upcoming editions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), a tournament where their numbers have been restricted in the past by security fears and scheduling problems. With relations steadying, that story may soon change.

In another indication of increasing cooperation, Cricket Australia has officially announced a tour of Pakistan by the senior men's side next year, another step towards rebuilding bilateral cricketing relations. In the meantime, Pakistan will resume action with their national team towards the end of July with a tour of Bangladesh, where there is a T20I series lined up, although the official schedule has not yet been announced. That will be preceded by a white-ball tour of the West Indies in early August, with three T20Is and three ODIs.

With each passing negotiation, both boards seem committed to their effort to offer strong developmental prospects while enriching their cricketing alliance. For Pakistan, particularly, it holds out a promising route for developing talent and resurfacing more often in the international cricketing scene.

The terror attack incident in Lahore stadium still haunted the Sri Lankan cricketer. When the two nations faced each other in the final of the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, the past experience between Pakistan and Sri Lanka added an extra layer to that title decider match.

Throughout the tournament, Sri Lanka had a crazy run until they reached the grand finale. SL's unbeaten run before the last match was because the brand of cricket they produced was something new at that time. Their batsmen, especially Tillakaratne Dilshan, were formerly innovative. Despite finishing second in the tournament, the Sri Lankan opener was awarded as the highest run scorer and the player of the series of the 2009 T20I World Cup.

Before the final, Pakistan was the less favored side to win the trophy. But when the match started, things started to look different. Pakistan, led by Younis Khan, adopted an attacking approach from the beginning of the match and plucked the wicket of Dilshan, utilizing young Mohammad Amir. Dilshan's wicket was massive. Within the opener, Kumar Sangakkara's team lacked power at the top and produced only 34 for 4 after six.

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Shahid Afridi became the trump card of the team 

The revival of Abdul Razzaq helped Pakistan a lot. In the final, the experienced pacer claimed 3 wickets against 20 runs in his 3-over spell. But the trump card of the Green Brigade was Shahid Afridi. Promoting him to the number three position worked magically for Pakistan.

Shahid Afridi scored 129 runs in his last three innings, after he moved up to No. 3, at a strike rate of 148.27. His hard-hitting continued against Sri Lanka; in the final game, it continued. After claiming 1 wicket, the all-rounder scored a match-winning 54* off 40 and inked his and his nation's name in the history book forever. 

The defending champions, Rangpur Riders, have officially confirmed their squad for the upcoming 2025 Guyana Global Super League (GSL), to be held from July 10 to 18 at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. A major highlight of their announcement is the inclusion of three Pakistan cricketers, Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, and Khawaja Nafay, all set to make their GSL debuts.

Veteran all-rounder Iftikhar, known for his powerful finishing and utility with the ball, brings valuable T20 experience from leagues like the BPL and LPL. Left-arm pacer Akif Javed, another LPL product, adds firepower to the bowling department. Meanwhile, middle-order batter Khawaja Nafay enters his second overseas league after two promising BPL stints.

Rangpur target second GSL title as Pakistan players join squad

Rangpur has retained its leadership core from last season’s dramatic title run. Nurul Hasan continues as captain, with Soumya Sarkar the top scorer in GSL 2024, returning to anchor the batting lineup. Pace spearhead Kamrul Islam Rabbi, instrumental in their bowling success last year, is also part of the squad. Rangpur’s 2024 campaign was one to remember after starting with three straight losses, the Riders rallied with three consecutive wins to lift the trophy. Their blend of attacking flair, discipline, and leadership proved decisive.

The franchise, already a heavyweight in the Bangladesh Premier League with a title in 2017 and consistent playoff finishes since, now looks to extend its dominance to the GSL stage once again. The announcement coincides with a wider update from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to 13 players for overseas T20 leagues. Among those approved is Khawaja Nafay, while clearances for Iftikhar and Akif are expected shortly.

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Other Pakistan players set to appear in the GSL include Saud Shakeel (Guyana Amazon Warriors), Mohammad Nawaz, and Sahibzada Farhan (both signed by the Hobart Hurricanes). NOCs for Nawaz and Nafay are already confirmed, while Saud and Farhan await final approvals.

Rangpur Riders squad for GSL 2025:

Nurul Hasan Sohan, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammed Naim Sheikh, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mohammed Saif Hassan, Abu Haider Rony, Rakibul Hasan, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Kyle Mayers, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ibrahim Zadran, Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Harmeet Singh, Khawaja Nafay

Guyana Amazon Warriors squad for GSL 2025:

Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles, Moeen Ali, Shimron Hetmyer, Saud Shakeel, Romario Shepherd, Dwain Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hossein, Ramanullah Gurbaz, Mark Adair, Jewel Andrew, Shamar Springer, Amir Jangoo.

Hobart Hurricanes squad for GSL 2025:

Ben McDermott, Billy Stanlake, Nikhil Chaudhary, Jackson Bird, Tim Ward, Jake Doran, Raf MacMillan, Marcus Bean, Mac Wright, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammed Nawaz, Mohammed Nabi, Odean Smith.

The Big Bash League (BBL) is ready for its 2025/26 campaign, and there's a welcome buzz regarding the number of Pakistani cricketers who are scheduled to feature in the competition. With the overseas draft being conducted on June 19, Pakistani cricketers were sought after like never before, a clear indication of their emerging reputation and influence in T20 leagues globally.

A total of seven Pakistan cricketers have been signed by different franchises, marking a notable BBL milestone and paving the way for more subcontinent participation in one of cricket's most thrilling leagues.

Pakistan Players in BBL 2025/26: Teams & Impact

Babar Azam – Sydney Sixers

Arguably one of the most discussed signings before the draft, Babar Azam was introduced as a marquee pre-signing for the Sixers. With his elegance, timing, and unparalleled consistency, Babar comes with a plethora of T20 experience through more than 9,500 runs at more than 44 average. Having never played in the BBL earlier, the Sydney fans will now be able to see one of the greatest batters of the current era opening the innings.

Mohammad Rizwan – Melbourne Renegades

The Renegades were wise in choosing Mohammad Rizwan with their first draft pick. A tried and tested performer, Rizwan has amassed over 8,400 T20 runs at an average of 43, astounding figures for a wicketkeeper-batter. It will be his first BBL experience, but with his experience in the PSL, BPL, and England's Vitality Blast, Rizwan would be expected to make an instant impact. His temperament and anchoring capabilities could prove to be just the thing the Renegades have lacked over recent lacklustre seasons.

Shaheen Shah Afridi – Brisbane Heat

The No.1 pick of the draft, Shaheen Afridi’s selection by Brisbane Heat turned heads and for good reason. The tall left-arm pacer is coming off a sensational PSL 2025 campaign where he was the leading wicket-taker with 19 wickets at an average of 16.42. With bounce-friendly conditions at the Gabba and a formidable pace unit already in place, Shaheen’s inclusion might give Brisbane the scariest fast-bowling attack in the competition.

Haris Rauf – Melbourne Stars

One of the most familiar international faces of the BBL, Haris Rauf, was retained by the Stars. Popular for his express pace and energy-packed celebrations, Rauf has gained a loyal following in Melbourne. Having taken 200+ T20 scalps to his name, the Pakistani speedster will once more spearhead the Stars' bowling unit, particularly in critical death-over situations.

Shadab Khan – Sydney Thunder

Thunder's Shadab Khan selection may prove to be a game-changer. Not only is he a brilliant leg-spinner with almost 280 T20 wickets, but also a harmful batter who can play at the top five. With his all-around skill and experience in leagues across the globe, including the BBL earlier, he is an essential tool, especially with Thunder having several home games at spin-friendly ENGIE Stadium in Western Sydney.

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Hassan Ali – Adelaide Strikers

Hassan Ali comes in to support a Strikers team that endured a poor last season. The temperamental right-arm seamer can spark his team with energy and experience, particularly with the skill of bowling under pressure. With 190+ T20 wickets, Hassan can be the defensive choice Adelaide can use at the batting-friendly Adelaide Oval.

Hassan Khan – Melbourne Renegades

A surprise but welcome choice, Hassan Khan, was brought in by the Renegades. The left-arm spinner provides control in the middle overs, with a career economy rate of 7.80. He is also a useful lower-order batsman with a strike rate of 138.93, giving depth and balance to the team.

T20 Career Snapshot of Pakistan Players

A Big Moment for Pakistan & BBL

This is arguably the most Pakistani involvement we’ve seen in a single BBL season, and it's a significant step forward. The combination of established names like Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen, alongside exciting prospects like Hassan Khan, adds a global flavour to the league.

The 2025/26 season, beginning in December, holds the promise of enthralling matches and subcontinental pizzazz like never before. As the Aussie summer gets hotter, count on these Pakistani heroes to form the focal point of the drama, fireworks, and match-winning cricket moments in the land down under.

England is all set to host the biggest ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026, with 12 teams playing across seven cities from June 12 to July 5. The tournament will begin with England taking on Sri Lanka at Edgbaston and end with the final at Lord’s. A total of 33 matches will be played at famous grounds like The Oval, Old Trafford, Headingley, Hampshire Bowl, and Bristol.

India has been placed in Group 1 along with Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, and two qualifying teams. Group 2 includes England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and two more qualifiers. The semi-finals will be played at The Oval on June 30 and July 2, and the final will take place at Lord’s on July 5.

"But India being in the same group as Pakistan has once again started debate. Before the groups were announced, there were reports that India didn’t want to be clubbed with Pakistan. The reason was clear India didn’t want to give any kind of benefit to a country linked to terrorism".

India has taken a strong stand by cutting off cricketing ties with Pakistan in recent years. So now, being placed in the same group raises questions. Many feel this move goes against India’s clear stand on not supporting Pakistan in any form on or off the field.

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2026 Women's T20 World Cup- Groups

Group 1: Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, two teams from Global Qualifier

Group 2: England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, two teams from Global Qualifier

2026 Women’s T20 World Cup- Fixtures

Former Pakistan international Tanveer Ahmed clarifies the comments he previously made about young cricketers of Pakistan. He again applauded for two star batters of the nation—Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

Tanveer suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should consider bringing these two players back into the T20I squad. Ahmed's comments sparked controversies before and projected the idea that he stood against the upcoming talents.

The former fast bowler clearly denied this type of rumor and said that he always supports the young talents, but for him, performance and the match results are the most important things. According to him, if the team formed with young cricketers and performed well even against the stronger teams, then he would never shout for Babar and Rizwan's inclusion into the team. 

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Ahmed asked Agha's team Pakistan to perform well against big teams first

"People take my words in the wrong direction, claiming that I don't support young stars because of Babar and Rizwan, but that's not the case at all. I want these young players to perform as they did against Bangladesh and play the same way against all other teams. Salman Ali Agha is saying that we will now play this brand of cricket, and I want him to play that cricket against teams like New Zealand, England, South Africa, and India in ICC tournaments. Once you play good cricket against these teams, then I'll believe that Pakistan has the talent," he explained his thoughts. 

Tanveer further added, "If the performance against good teams is as promised, and if what Mike Hesson and Salman Agha say is true—that they will build a new team—then I will say, yes, this is the team, and now Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are no longer needed."