Pakistan Likely to Rest Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen for Bangladesh Series: A Bold Move Toward Youth
Faced with a hugely important few years ahead, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are looking to manage the workload on their most experienced trio of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi by resting them for T20Is against Bangladesh which start on 27 May 2025. Part of a larger long term vision, to construct a more flexible, fearless and younger T20 team ahead looking into the T20 Asia Cup and ICC T20 World Cup 2026 bore into the fixture announcement.
Building the Future: Resting the Veterans
Where the PCB believes that these rising generation of Pakistani cricketers are versatile and fearless at a pace faster than the T20 format. Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen have been batting and bowling in the best way they could but their workload, too, is also a worry.
Pakistan have relied heavily on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the batting, while Shaheen Afridi is the most menacing pace weapon in the team. Nevertheless, with the T20 World Cup 2026 coming along, replacements and backups need to be groomed for possible tournaments.
Spotlight on Emerging Talent from PSL 2025
One reason for this strategy is that PSL 2025 has brought forth some exciting new players. Various players impressed the selectors with their reliable performances, strong mindset and ability to lead the team to victory.
Some of the names being mentioned for the Bangladesh series are:
• Mohammad Naeem – He strikes the ball hard and usually plays in the first few positions.
• Yasir Khan is recognized for how he uniquely dominates the early stages of the innings.
• Maaz Sadaqat – An all-rounder who adds stability to any T20 team.
• Ubaid Shah – A fast bowler who is Naseem Shah’s younger sibling.
The series will be a way for them to test their skills. They are expected to assess whether a player can manage pressure at the international level, how effectively they get along with other squad members and if they can perform successfully when it counts.
Why This Strategy Makes Sense Now
Many successful cricket teams rely on giving their senior players a break and bringing in new talent. To reduce injuries and improve the team’s bench strength, Australia and England practice a regular rotation of their players.
Let me share why making this move is shrewd and prudent.
1. Cricket teams have full schedules and playing their leading players too much may result in burnout or injuries.
2. For a squad to be deep, you need backups for each position so players are not solely responsible for a certain area of the field.
3. Currently, there is enough time left before the T20 World Cup for teams to experiment with their combinations.
Excitement and uncertainty are brought into T20 cricket by young players.
Balancing Experience with Innovation
Even though the PCB is emphasizing youth in the Bangladesh series, Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen can still play. Still, this hiatus refreshes them and gives them the power to work even harder for tough championships. Trying to mix trusted veterans with energetic newcomers usually helps a team stay track by adding touches of flair.
As a result of this initiative, the middle-order and death bowlers will be responsible for much of the team’s success. Since Babar and Rizwan are not captaining the side, Saim Ayub, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan may need to take on extra responsibility as leaders.
Possible Squad Shape for the Bangladesh Series
Until the squad is revealed, this gives an idea of the players who might start if Messi, Neymar and Mbappé are not chosen:
• The work of Saim Ayub
• The election takes place after consulting the Banyan community.
• Azam Khan is the wicketkeeper.
The father of Iftikhar Ahmed is called Ghulam Ahmed.
• Maaz Sadaqat
The captain is Shadab Khan.
• Faheem Ashraf
• His name is Ubaid Shah.
• Wasim Mohammad Junior
• Ahmed Riaz
• Naeem Muhammad
There is plenty of power and talent in the batting, bowling and the approach, suggesting Pakistan’s T20 cricket is in good hands indeed.
Fans’ Reaction: Mixed but Hopeful
Many people on social media are debating over whether resting Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen is a good thing. While there are some who worry about losing international talented players, others approve of the PCB’s new and strong decision.
Former cricketers have highly regarded the change. It was noticed by an expert that putting together a championship team does not happen overnight. The purpose of these matches is to prepare for the main events. It’s good news if the PCB truly cares about their future goals.
What’s at Stake in the Bangladesh Series?
Underestimating Bangladesh could leave you facing some unpleasant results. The Bangladesh T20 team has been getting stronger and surprised certain tough competitors with good discipline lately. This series represents an opportunity for Pakistan.
I have enjoyed the opportunity to mix up the members of my team.
• A way for new young talents to emerge.
• Something useful for young players to prepare for more serious competitions.
An impressive showing by this team could change the way the squad is chosen for the future. Player performances such as Yasir Khan’s or Ubaid Shah’s could lead to more players competing for spots in the national team.
Conclusion: Strategic Rest, Smart Rotation
The PCB is right to give Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi a break for the Bangladesh T20 series. The manager deals with current pressures, like making schedules and with the future, by ensuring the squad has all the necessary players for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
By fielding young players, Pakistan has access to more talent, stronger bench players and the added bonus of discovering the next top cricketers.
