The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shortlisted five players, including four experienced names and one emerging talent, for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, set to take place next month.

According to sources, the players under consideration are Sahibzada Farhan, Hussain Talat, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, and young fast bowler Ali Raza. The five-match series will be hosted in Pakistan, with matches scheduled in Lahore and Faisalabad. While the exact match dates are yet to be confirmed, the Bangladesh team is expected to arrive in Pakistan on May 21.

Among the top contenders is Sahibzada Farhan, who has been in outstanding form in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10.

Farhan has scored 841 runs in 12 matches this year at an average of 84.10 and a strike rate of 182.42. His record includes four centuries and three half-centuries, making him the highest run-scorer in T20s this year. He has joined the elite group of batters like Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, Jos Buttler, and Shubman Gill by hitting four T20 centuries in a calendar year. However, Farhan has only played nine T20Is for Pakistan, last featuring in 2024 against Zimbabwe.

All-rounder Hussain Talat is also back in the frame after performing well for Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 10. He has scored 193 runs in six matches and is known for his aggressive middle-order batting. Talat has represented Pakistan in 18 T20Is, scoring 394 runs at a strike rate of 118.31. His last T20I appearance was in 2021 against South Africa.

Faheem Ashraf is another experienced all-rounder being considered. He has delivered balanced performances for Quetta Gladiators in the PSL, scoring 68 runs and taking six wickets. Faheem was part of Pakistan's recent ODI and Champions Trophy squads, with his last T20I played in 2023.

Pacer Hasan Ali is enjoying a strong season with Karachi Kings and leads the PSL 10 bowling charts with 13 wickets in six matches. He recently became the highest wicket-taker in PSL history with 121 wickets, surpassing Wahab Riaz. Hasan has taken 60 wickets in 51 T20Is for Pakistan and last played a T20I in 2024 against Ireland.

Young fast bowler Ali Raza has caught the selectors' attention with his performances for Peshawar Zalmi. The emerging pacer has picked up eight wickets in six PSL matches and is being seen as a promising talent for the future.

The final squad for the Bangladesh series is expected to be announced once the fixtures are finalized.

Tentative schedule for Pak-BD T20s out

The tentative schedule for the upcoming five-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been announced, with matches planned in Faisalabad and Lahore.

According to sources, the Bangladesh team is expected to arrive in Pakistan on May 21. The first two matches of the series will be played at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on May 25 and May 27.

After that, the action will move to Lahore, where the remaining three T20Is are scheduled at Gaddafi Stadium on May 30, June 1, and June 3.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shortlisted five players who are under consideration for selection. These include four experienced cricketers - Sahibzada Farhan, Hussain Talat, Hasan Ali, and Faheem Ashraf - along with emerging fast bowler Ali Raza.

Sahibzada Farhan has been in outstanding form during the current PSL season and is leading the T20 run charts for the year. Hussain Talat has also impressed with his performances for Peshawar Zalmi, while Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf continue to offer solid options. Young Ali Raza has made a name for himself with his pace and consistency.

Pakistan and Bangladesh have faced off in 19 T20 internationals so far. Pakistan has dominated the rivalry, winning 16 matches, while Bangladesh has won only three. The last time the two teams met in a T20I series was during the 2022–23 tri-nation series in New Zealand, where Pakistan defeated the hosts in the final to lift the trophy.

Tentative Pakistan-Bangladesh T20I series schedule:

1st T20I – May 25 – Faisalabad

2nd T20I – May 27 – Faisalabad

3rd T20I – May 30 – Lahore

4th T20I – June 1 – Lahore

5th T20I – June 3 – Lahore.