Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh gets underway on July 20 in Dhaka, featuring a three-match T20I series that replaces the originally planned ODIs. The change reflects a broader strategic alignment with upcoming global tournaments—the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. Both boards have chosen to prioritise the shortest format as T20 cricket continues to dominate international schedules.
This series, hosted entirely at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, runs from July 20 to 24. The first T20I kicks off on July 20, followed by matches on July 22 and 24. All games will be played under lights, allowing teams to simulate tournament-like pressure conditions. Pakistan landed in Dhaka on July 16 to acclimatise and begin final preparations.
The decision to convert ODIs into T20Is was mutual, and comes as part of a trend toward giving more focus to the shortest format, especially with two back-to-back T20 tournaments on the horizon. Cricket boards around the world are adjusting their white-ball schedules accordingly, often putting 50-over matches on the backburner unless part of ICC tournaments.
Pakistan enter the series with a relatively fresh-looking side, led by Salman Ali Agha. Senior players such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been rested or omitted, indicating a deliberate shift toward testing emerging talent. The team features aggressive batters like Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, and pace options including Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, have opted for continuity. They are fielding the same squad that recently won a home T20I series against Sri Lanka. Litton Das will continue as captain, with promising names such as Tanzid Hasan and established campaigners like Mustafizur Rahman forming a balanced core.
The series carries significant value beyond bilateral bragging rights. With the Asia Cup scheduled to be held in the UAE and India next year, and the T20 World Cup set for 2026, both teams view this series as a testing ground for tactics, form, and squad combinations. For Pakistan, it follows a 3-0 T20I sweep of Bangladesh at home in May, while for Bangladesh, it’s a chance to challenge a tougher opponent and solidify their T20 framework.
From a broader perspective, the format shift also underscores how T20 cricket is reshaping the international landscape. With revenue, audience engagement, and tournament frequency all leaning toward the shortest format, bilateral T20Is are becoming the norm for preparation and player development.
This series, though short, is far from inconsequential. It sets the tone for how both nations approach their white-ball plans in the lead-up to high-stakes ICC events. Whether it’s tactical experimentation or uncovering the next big name, the three games in Dhaka are poised to deliver both competition and context in equal measure.