Three Pakistan pacers unlikely to feature in Bangladesh series: sources

Three Pakistani fast bowlers — Naseem Shah, Aamer Jamal, and rising star Ali Raza — are not expected to be part of the national team’s plans for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have revealed.

Naseem and Jamal are currently recovering from injuries and will need more time to return to full fitness. Both pacers had a quiet run in the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL), and their recovery timelines make them doubtful for the West Indies tour in August as well.

Seventeen-year-old Ali Raza, who turned heads during PSL 10 while representing Peshawar Zalmi, has been sidelined due to an eye issue that affects his vision under floodlights. He is set to consult a specialist soon and will continue his development through the Pakistan Shaheens program.

Meanwhile, sources say the PCB is going through a phase of transition, with former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and ex-pacer Sikandar Bakht playing an increasingly active role behind the scenes. Though not officially appointed to any committee, both have attended recent selection meetings and are reportedly keeping an eye on overlooked talent.

A key selection meeting was recently held in Lahore, where members including head coach Mike Hesson, selector Aaqib Javed, and T20I captain Salman Ali Agha discussed plans for the upcoming series. The panel unanimously supported giving wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir a chance in the T20I format.

Mike Hesson is expected to return to Karachi on July 7, just ahead of the national training camp that begins on July 10.

Despite his impressive performance in PSL 10, where he picked up 12 wickets in nine games at an average of 25.25, Ali Raza's condition has ruled him out for now. In comparison, Naseem Shah claimed nine wickets in 10 matches with an economy rate of 9.30 but did not feature in Pakistan’s T20I series against Bangladesh earlier this year.

Although the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has proposed a three-match T20I series in July, an official announcement is still awaited. Pakistan is then scheduled to tour the USA for three T20Is against the West Indies in August.