Three young stars set for debut as Shaheen Afridi unveils Pakistan’s plan for Bangladesh ODI series

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has revealed that three young players are set to make their debut in the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh national cricket team, as Pakistan begins preparations for future international tournaments.

Speaking during a pre-series press conference on Monday, Afridi said the team management wants to provide opportunities to emerging players while continuing to build a strong squad ahead of the next global events.

“We haven’t dropped anyone for this series. We just want to give opportunities to our youngsters because they are our future,” Afridi said. “This is a good chance for them to show their skills and prepare themselves for the challenges ahead, especially with the World Cup in mind.”

According to the Pakistan skipper, three players will make their ODI debuts in the series. Sahibzada Farhan has been rewarded for his strong performances in domestic cricket and franchise tournaments. Meanwhile, Maha Sadaqat is expected to open the innings, while Shamil Hussain is likely to bat at number three.

Afridi said the team is excited to see the newcomers represent Pakistan and hopes they will play fearless cricket. “We are very excited to see them play for Pakistan—not just for one series but for the future as well,” he added.

Discussing team strategy, the left-arm pacer emphasized that Pakistan will continue to rely on its traditional strength of fast bowling. “Pakistan cricket is known for fast bowling, and we will definitely go with our fast bowlers to take wickets, while our spinners will also contribute,” he said.

Afridi also explained that the final playing XI will depend on pitch and team requirements, noting that not all 15 squad members can play in a single match. The team management will make the final decision after the last training session.

Commenting on the opposition, Afridi acknowledged that Bangladesh can be very competitive in home conditions. He pointed out that Bangladesh recently performed well against West Indies cricket team, making them a challenging opponent.

“Any team playing at home is dangerous. Bangladesh have a strong side and have been playing good cricket,” Afridi said. “But we are confident because we played good cricket in our last two ODI series against South Africa national cricket team and Sri Lanka national cricket team, and we want to continue that momentum.”

The Pakistan captain also noted that several players in the squad are already familiar with Bangladeshi conditions after playing in local leagues there, which should help them adjust quickly.

The upcoming ODI series will serve as both a preparation opportunity and a crucial test for Pakistan’s young talent as the team begins shaping its squad for future international tournaments.