Islamabad, July 9, 2025: In a key move by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been called up for the white-ball training camp in Karachi, even though they are not part of the 15-member squad touring Bangladesh.
The camp, scheduled from July 9 to 15 at National Bank Stadium, includes all players from the Bangladesh-bound T20I squad and five senior cricketers not traveling. All participants were asked to report today (Wednesday), with training sessions beginning immediately.
While Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen were left out of the touring team announced yesterday, their inclusion in the training group signals the PCB’s intent to keep the trio ready for future assignments, possibly the upcoming series against West Indies.
Fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr are also part of the camp to continue their match fitness work, indicating PCB’s interest in grooming both new and returning players under a unified setup.
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This development shows that while Pakistan’s T20I squad is undergoing a transformation, the senior core of Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen remains central to long-term plans. Their presence will offer continuity, leadership, and mentoring for emerging players—especially with no international matches lined up for Pakistan in the immediate future.
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The PCB’s move reflects a balancing act: promoting young talent while retaining the experience of its top cricketers. The decision could also pave the way for senior players to return in case of format reshuffles or injuries ahead of upcoming white-ball fixtures.
