Pakistan set for T20I series in Bangladesh, eyes deeper ties with Australia

Pakistan’s men’s cricket team is scheduled to tour Bangladesh next month for a three-match T20I series, the Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed on Wednesday. The squad will arrive in Dhaka on July 16, with matches slated for July 20, 22, and 24. All games will be played under lights at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, starting at 6pm local time.

The two sides last faced off in a T20I series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where Pakistan clinched a 3-0 victory. The upcoming series will mark the team's return to international action after a brief break.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket Australia (CA) are in talks to strengthen cricketing ties through a series of initiatives involving A teams, U19 squads, and women’s sides. Discussions also include plans for bilateral academy exchanges and development programs, which PCB’s Director of High Performance, Aqib Javed, sees as vital for nurturing young talent and increasing player exposure abroad.

The renewed partnership between PCB and CA has already led to a smoother participation of Pakistani players in Australia’s Big Bash League this season. Unlike in past years, players received No Objection Certificates (NOCs) ahead of the tournament draft, avoiding last-minute delays.

Cricket Australia's CEO recently reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to touring Pakistan next year, further solidifying bilateral relations. PCB remains hopeful that more Australian players will feature in future editions of the Pakistan Super League.

Following the Bangladesh series, Pakistan will travel to the West Indies for a limited-overs tour starting August 1, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs.

In rankings news, the latest ICC Test player update brought mixed fortunes for Pakistan. Saud Shakeel dropped two places to tenth in the batting rankings, leaving him as Pakistan’s sole representative in the top 10. Mohammad Rizwan held on to his 16th position.

England’s Joe Root retained his top spot, while Harry Brook surged to second. India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal climbed to fourth, and Rishabh Pant moved to seventh following a double century against England. England's Ben Duckett jumped five places to eighth after his recent match-winning contribution.

On the bowling front, Pakistan's Nauman Ali maintained his fourth-place ranking, continuing to lead the nation's presence among the top-ranked bowlers.