The upcoming three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh, set to begin on May 28 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, will proceed without the Decision Review System (DRS), reliable sources have confirmed.
The absence of DRS has sparked concerns among cricket fans and analysts alike, especially following a similar omission during the final stages of the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10. The back-to-back instances have raised questions about the preparedness of cricketing authorities in managing essential match technologies.
According to sources close to the development, the technical staff responsible for managing DRS has not returned following their assignments in the PSL. Their unavailability has made it impossible to deploy the technology in time for the Pakistan-Bangladesh series.
Despite the situation, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been duly informed, and both cricket boards have agreed to continue the series as scheduled. The three T20Is will be played exclusively at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium, on May 28, May 30, and June 1, respectively.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to officially address the issue later today during a joint press conference featuring both team captains, accompanied by the official trophy unveiling ceremony.
This T20I series also holds significant importance for Pakistan as it marks their first international outing under newly appointed white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, who recently took over the reins following the team’s underwhelming performance in recent global tournaments.
Originally, Bangladesh was slated to tour Pakistan for a five-match T20I series, starting May 25 in Faisalabad, but logistical constraints and evolving security protocols forced a revision. The series has now been trimmed to three games, all of which will be hosted in Lahore.
Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh T20Is:
- Salman Ali Agha (captain)
- Shadab Khan (vice-captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faheem Ashraf
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Hassan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper)
- Mohammad Wasim Jnr
- Muhammad Irfan Khan
- Naseem Shah
- Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper)
- Saim Ayub
Pakistan-Bangladesh T20I Series Schedule:
- May 28 – 1st T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- May 30 – 2nd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- June 1 – 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
While the lack of DRS is a setback from a technological standpoint, both teams are expected to adapt to traditional umpiring calls. With competitive cricket returning to Lahore and new leadership in the Pakistan camp, fans can still anticipate a closely contested and entertaining T20I series.
