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Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I Series 2025: Schedule, Squads, and Why DRS Is Missing

Asim Hussain
May 27, 2025
4:12 pm
Reading Time 7

Cricket fans are buzzing with excitement as Pakistan takes on Bangladesh in a thrilling three-match T20I series starting May 28, 2025, at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium. This series marks a major moment for both teams, with Pakistan led by Salman Ali Agha and Bangladesh captained by Litton Das. But there’s a twist: the matches will be played without the Decision Review System (DRS), sparking debates among fans.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I Series Schedule

The Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I series kicks off on May 28, 2025, with all three matches set to take place at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Here’s the full schedule:

First T20I: May 28, 2025, at 8:00 PM PKT
Second T20I: May 30, 2025, at 8:00 PM PKT
Third T20I: June 1, 2025, at 8:00 PM PKT

Originally, a five-match series was planned to start on May 25. However, due to scheduling conflicts with the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) final, which was postponed to May 25 because of tensions between Pakistan and India, the series was shortened to three matches and rescheduled.

Squads for Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I Series

Both teams have announced strong line-ups for the series. Here’s a look at the players representing Pakistan and Bangladesh:

Pakistan National Cricket Team

Led by captain Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan’s squad is packed with talent, blending experienced players and rising stars:

Captain: Salman Ali Agha
Vice-Captain: Shadab Khan
Players: Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub

Bangladesh National Cricket Team

Litton Das leads a competitive Bangladesh side, featuring a mix of young players and seasoned campaigners:

Captain: Litton Das
Vice-Captain: Mahedi Hasan
Players: Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Zakir Ali, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam

Players to Watch

Team	Key Batsmen	Key Bowlers
Pakistan	Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub	Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah
Bangladesh	Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto	Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam

Match Officials for Pak vs Ban T20I Series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed experienced officials to oversee the series. Ranjan Madugalle, a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, will lead the playing control teams. Madugalle, who has officiated 804 international matches across all formats, brings unmatched expertise.

Here’s the breakdown of umpires for each match:

First T20I (May 28):
- On-field umpires: Asif Yaqoob, Rashid Riaz
- Third umpire: Ahsan Raza
- Fourth umpire: Faisal Khan Aafreedi
Second T20I (May 30):
- On-field umpires: Rashid Riaz, Faisal Khan Aafreedi
- Third umpire: Ahsan Raza
- Fourth umpire: Asif Yaqoob
Third T20I (June 1):
- On-field umpires: Ahsan Raza, Asif Yaqoob
- Third umpire: Faisal Khan Aafreedi
- Fourth umpire: Rashid Riaz

All umpires are part of the PCB International Panel or ICC Elite Panel, ensuring high-quality officiating despite the absence of DRS.

Why No DRS in the Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I Series?

A major talking point for the Pak vs Ban series is the absence of the Decision Review System (DRS). This technology, which allows teams to challenge umpiring decisions, is a standard feature in modern international cricket. However, the PCB has confirmed that DRS will not be available due to the unavailability of technical staff.

The staff responsible for operating DRS have not returned since the HBL PSL, which also lacked the system. The Bangladesh team has been informed, and both sides will rely on traditional umpiring for the series. While this has raised concerns among some fans about the accuracy of decisions, both teams are prepared to adapt.

Trophy Unveiling and Press Conference

On May 27, 2025, at 6:15 PM PKT, the Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I series trophy will be unveiled at Gaddafi Stadium. Following the unveiling, captains Salman Ali Agha and Litton Das will address the media in a joint press conference. This event will set the stage for what promises to be an exciting contest between two competitive teams.

Future Outlook for Pak vs Ban Cricket

The Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I series 2025 is a key moment for both teams as they prepare for upcoming global tournaments. For Pakistan, it’s a chance to fine-tune their T20 strategy under new leadership. For Bangladesh, it’s an opportunity to build momentum and test their young talent against a strong opponent.

With no DRS, the series might see some controversial moments, but it also brings back the charm of traditional cricket, where umpires’ decisions are final. Fans can expect high-energy matches at Gaddafi Stadium, with both teams fighting for bragging rights.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I Series 2025: Schedule, Squads

Series Schedule

First T20I: May 28, 2025, 8:00 PM PKT, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Second T20I: May 30, 2025, 8:00 PM PKT, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Third T20I: June 1, 2025, 8:00 PM PKT, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Squads Pakistan

Captain: Salman Ali Agha
Vice-Captain: Shadab Khan
Players: Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub

Squads Bangladesh

Captain: Litton Das
Vice-Captain: Mahedi Hasan
Players: Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Zakir Ali, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam

Match Officials

Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (ICC Elite Panel)
Umpires:
- First T20I: Asif Yaqoob, Rashid Riaz (on-field); Ahsan Raza (third); Faisal Khan Aafreedi (fourth)
- Second T20I: Rashid Riaz, Faisal Khan Aafreedi (on-field); Ahsan Raza (third); Asif Yaqoob (fourth)
- Third T20I: Ahsan Raza, Asif Yaqoob (on-field); Faisal Khan Aafreedi (third); Rashid Riaz (fourth)

The series will be played without DRS due to the unavailability of technical staff.
Trophy unveiling and captains’ press conference: May 27, 2025, at 6:15 PM PKT.
The series was shortened from five to three matches due to scheduling conflicts with the HBL PSL final.