Pakistan Faces Fitness Concerns Ahead of T20I Series Against Bangladesh

The Pakistan cricket team is set to begin its training camp on July 8 at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi, gearing up for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.

Reports indicate that the Men in Green are dealing with several fitness issues, with vice-captain Shadab Khan’s situation being a primary concern.

The all-rounder is likely to undergo surgery in the UK on his right shoulder due to persistent discomfort. Medical professionals have advised that surgery is the optimal solution.

In addition to Shadab, fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr. are also not completely fit and their participation in the upcoming series remains uncertain.

Sources suggest that Salman Mirza, a prominent fast bowler from Lahore Qalandars in the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, is expected to join the national squad.

Salman made a significant impact with nine wickets in four matches during PSL 10, boasting an average of 15.00 and an economy rate of 9.64.

Spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, who has taken 18 wickets in just 10 T20Is, is also confirmed to be included for the Bangladesh tour. Furthermore, speedster Haris Rauf will be named in the squad but is unlikely to play in any of the three T20Is.

Key players such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi—who were rested for the previous home series against Bangladesh—are currently not included in the immediate plans, and there is no set date for their return.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that all three T20Is will be held at the Shere-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. The matches are scheduled to commence at 5:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time.

The Pakistan team is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on July 16. The first T20I is set for July 20, followed by the second on July 22, and the third on July 24.

The two teams last competed in May this year, where Pakistan secured a dominant 3-0 series victory on home soil.