ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s cricketing stalwarts Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi—once the backbone of the national T20 side—are expected to be left out of the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh and the West Indies, raising speculation about their long-term roles in the format.

According to The News, the official squad announcement is due in early July, ahead of a brief but critical training camp in Karachi beginning July 8. Selected players will report a day earlier, while head coach Mike Hesson is scheduled to return from New Zealand by July 5 to take charge of preparations.

The trio, who were rested for the recent home T20I series against Bangladesh, are likely to remain on the sidelines. Sources close to the selection committee suggest there is little inclination to recall them for the upcoming fixtures.

“Selectors appear reluctant to bring back Babar or Rizwan for these series, and even Shaheen’s inclusion remains uncertain,” a source familiar with the discussions said.

The forthcoming tours are expected to feature a squad similar to the youthful lineup that impressed during the home series against Bangladesh, underlining the selectors’ intent to build bench strength ahead of a packed international calendar.

Salman Ali Agha is tipped to continue leading the side, while the top order is expected to include Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, and Mohammad Haris—players known for their aggressive style and fresh energy. Middle-order responsibilities are likely to fall to Salman himself, alongside Shadab Khan, Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, and emerging star Hasan Nawaz.

In terms of spin, selectors are mulling over the inclusion of left-arm spinner Sufyan Moqeem, particularly with spin-friendly pitches expected in Bangladesh. Though some question the need for an additional spinner alongside Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmad, others argue Sufyan deserves exposure as a long-term prospect.

Fast bowling options may include Haris Rauf, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Hasan Ali, and Faheem Ashraf, with a potential surprise addition to add variety and depth to the attack.

Meanwhile, a separate squad is being finalized for the Pakistan Shaheens’ red-ball tour of England, set to commence in mid-July. This parallel assignment aims to groom emerging talent in longer formats.

The continued exclusion of Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen—without official clarification—suggests a broader strategic shift. Whether this is a temporary break or a quiet transition away from the senior trio remains uncertain, but the message is increasingly clear: Pakistan cricket may be charting a new course focused on youth and renewal in the white-ball arena.