All is well that ends well! Finally, the Bangladesh Cricket Team has confirmed its tour to Pakistan and the hosts are all set to welcome their new guests. After a series of meetings, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has now agreed to tour Pakistan in three phases.
However, they will be playing three T20 internationals this month. After that, a Test match in early February and another Test and an ODI in April after the completion of the Pakistan Super League 2020.
In this regard, the Head Coach and Chief Selector of Pakistan Cricket Board Misbah-ul-Haq announces a 15-member squad for the T20 side, and surprisingly, some names caught the attention of the audience.
Malik and Hafeez Are Back In The Team While Babar Captaining The Side
On the basis of his exceptional performance, Babar Azam named to lead the side which is a mix of seasoned and new players. However, Former Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed still hasn’t got the chance to perform in the upcoming Bangladesh series.
Meanwhile, Haris Rauf has succeded to impress the selectors with his brilliant recent performance in the Big Bash League. He has also included in the 15-members squad. After the announcement of his selection, the official BBL Twitter page broke the news with gratitude and regarded him as “Our Man”:
Our man HARIS RAUF! ?? https://t.co/ZvOwPFLPbB
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 16, 2020
In addition, Ahsan Ali, Ahmad Butt also expected to debut in the series. While Shoaib Malik, Muhammad Hafeez, and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been recalled in the squad for the T20 Internationals. It is said to be played on January 24, 25, and 27 in Lahore.
While addressing the media Misbah said,
“We have combined old and new players in this squad in the hopes that they will be able to end Pakistan’s recent losing streak.”
He further added, “We have lost eight of our last nine T20Is. And as the number-one ranked side, this is unacceptable. We need to end our losing cycle and get back to winning habits leading into the upcoming Asia Cup and ICC T20 World Cup. This has played a critical role in our decision-making.”
Moreover, on calling Shoaib Malik and Muhammad Hafeez back into the team Misbah said, “They are experienced players — with a total of 200 T20Is between them — they have performed before and we believe that they will do so in this upcoming series as well.”
Babar Is Happy With The Selection
Meanwhile, after the announcement of the T20 side, Babar Azam said that he was totally satisfied with the options made by the selection committee.
“I want to thank the selection committee for entertaining my request to bring in Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik. I believe they still have plenty to offer to Pakistan cricket in the shortest format and their experience can be critical to our performances in the upcoming series.
He added, “Ahsan, Amad, and Haris have recently shown promise and talent, and I think it is the right time to throw them at the deep end to check their ability to perform at an international level. I am sure home crowd and conditions will complement their talent and they will be able to justify their selections.”
A Complete T20 Side Who Counter Bangladesh In The Late January
- Babar Azam (C)
- Ahsan Ali
- Amad Butt
- Haris Rauf
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Imad Wasim
- Khushdil Shah
- Muhammad Hafeez
- Muhammad Hasnain
- Muhammad Rizwan
- Moosa Khan
- Shahdab Khan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Shoaib Malik
- Usman Javed
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