PCB shortlist several players for T20I series against Bangladesh

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shortlisted five players, including four experienced names and one emerging talent, for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, set to take place next month.

According to sources, the players under consideration are Sahibzada Farhan, Hussain Talat, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, and young fast bowler Ali Raza. The five-match series will be hosted in Pakistan, with matches scheduled in Lahore and Faisalabad. While the exact match dates are yet to be confirmed, the Bangladesh team is expected to arrive in Pakistan on May 21.

Among the top contenders is Sahibzada Farhan, who has been in outstanding form in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10. 

Farhan has scored 841 runs in 12 matches this year at an average of 84.10 and a strike rate of 182.42. His record includes four centuries and three half-centuries, making him the highest run-scorer in T20s this year. He has joined the elite group of batters like Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, Jos Buttler, and Shubman Gill by hitting four T20 centuries in a calendar year. However, Farhan has only played nine T20Is for Pakistan, last featuring in 2024 against Zimbabwe.

All-rounder Hussain Talat is also back in the frame after performing well for Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 10. He has scored 193 runs in six matches and is known for his aggressive middle-order batting. Talat has represented Pakistan in 18 T20Is, scoring 394 runs at a strike rate of 118.31. His last T20I appearance was in 2021 against South Africa.

Faheem Ashraf is another experienced all-rounder being considered. He has delivered balanced performances for Quetta Gladiators in the PSL, scoring 68 runs and taking six wickets. Faheem was part of Pakistan’s recent ODI and Champions Trophy squads, with his last T20I played in 2023.

Pacer Hasan Ali is enjoying a strong season with Karachi Kings and leads the PSL 10 bowling charts with 13 wickets in six matches. He recently became the highest wicket-taker in PSL history with 121 wickets, surpassing Wahab Riaz. Hasan has taken 60 wickets in 51 T20Is for Pakistan and last played a T20I in 2024 against Ireland.

Young fast bowler Ali Raza has caught the selectors' attention with his performances for Peshawar Zalmi. The emerging pacer has picked up eight wickets in six PSL matches and is being seen as a promising talent for the future.

The final squad for the Bangladesh series is expected to be announced once the fixtures are finalized.