BPL insights shape Pakistan’s game plan for Bangladesh series
Faheem Ashraf played last year's BPL
Every Bangladesh Premier League season, Pakistan sends the highest number of overseas players, drawn by familiar conditions and proven performances. Last season saw players like Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Aaqif Javed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi in action, while a year earlier, big names like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan featured in the tournament.
Pakistan’s current 16-man squad for the T20I series against Bangladesh reflects this deep BPL connection, with nine players having previously played in the league.
Mirpur’s pitch still a concern for batters, admits Litton
2 hrs ago
Among them, Fakhar Zaman, who represented Khulna Tigers, is the most prominent name. Other BPL-experienced players include Saim Ayub, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz. Faheem, who took 20 wickets for Fortune Barishal in one edition, could be a key weapon in the series.
Speaking ahead of the opening match, Pakistan captain Salman Agha emphasized the importance of BPL experience within the squad:
“It’s very important for us. Most of the players have played in the BPL, and it’s crucial to take their input and learn from their experience. We’ve spoken to them, and based on that, we’ve made our plans,” he said.
Pakistan ready for fierce battle against Bangladesh in T20I series
5 hrs ago
Notably, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are not part of the squad. Babar and Rizwan have been out of the T20I setup for some time now, reportedly due to their inability to adapt to the modern, high-strike-rate demands of the format. According to Pakistani media, head coach Mike Hesson may only consider them again if they improve in this area.
Shaheen, meanwhile, could return if he makes improvements in specific areas. Salman acknowledged their contributions to Pakistan but suggested that the current squad better suits their new T20 approach.
“They’ve done really well for Pakistan. They played how the game demanded at the time. But yes, T20 cricket changes every year — to be honest, every six months. The way we want to play now, we have players who can fit that style. The players we currently have are very good and very exciting,” he added.
With a strong core of BPL-experienced players and a refreshed T20 approach, Pakistan appear well-prepared for what promises to be a fiercely contested series in Bangladesh.
