Pakistan will travel to Bangladesh next month for a three-match T20I series starting July 20, marking the return leg of bilateral fixtures between the two sides.
The tour has been confirmed by Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha and comes on the heels of Bangladesh’s recently concluded tour of Pakistan, where the hosts secured a dominant 3-0 series win.
“Our next tours are to Bangladesh and then the West Indies, where we expect spin-friendly conditions,” he said when asked about Pakistan’s preparations for the T20 World Cup.
“Similarly, if the Asia Cup goes ahead as scheduled in the UAE, we’ll encounter slow pitches there as well. So, there will be ample opportunity for the team to prepare and adapt accordingly.”
The upcoming T20 World Cup is scheduled in India later this year. However, as part of the hybrid model approved by the ICC, Pakistan will not travel to India and play its matches at a neutral venue, most probably Sri Lanka.
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The short series in Bangladesh is being viewed as a key opportunity for both teams to test combinations ahead of a packed international calendar, with the ICC T20 World Cup looming next year.
The first match of the series is scheduled for July 20, followed by fixtures on July 22 and July 24. The Bangladesh Cricket Board is expected to announce the venues in the coming days.
The T20Is in Pakistan saw the home side in commanding form, with both the bowling unit and batting lineup showing cohesion.
Bangladesh, known for their resilience on home soil, will look to bounce back strongly. The upcoming series also allows them to assess their depth and options in the T20 format as they prepare for a demanding schedule of their own.
Following the Bangladesh series, Pakistan are set to tour the West Indies for a white-ball series comprising three T20Is and three ODIs starting from July 31.
The back-to-back away assignments are being seen as a litmus test for the players, especially with major tournaments on the horizon.