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Babar Azam, Mohsin Naqvi and Shaheen Afridi (Source: AP and AFP)
Pakistan is all set to tour Bangladesh for a two-match Test series as part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle. While the Pakistan Cricket Board is yet to make an official announcement, preparations are already underway.
The team is expected to depart for Bangladesh on the night of May 3. The two Tests are provisionally scheduled to begin on May 8 and May 16.
Although it is important to note that the venues have not been officially confirmed. However, as per reports, the first Test will likely be held in Sylhet, while the second could be held in Mirpur, Dhaka.
This series comes at a time when franchise cricket is also in full swing, with PSL 2026 underway. As a result, several Pakistan players may have to prioritise international commitments over franchise participation.
PSL 2026 Points Table and Current Standings
The PSL 2026 is currently at its midway stage, and the competition is heating up. In simple terms, the points table shows that Peshawar Zalmi are leading the standings with 13 points from 7 matches, having won 6 games and lost none, with one no-result.
Multan Sultans are in second place with 8 points from 6 matches, having won four and lost two. Islamabad United follow in third position with 7 points from 6 games, including one no-result.
Karachi Kings are fourth with 6 points from 5 matches, keeping themselves in playoff contention. Quetta Gladiators, Hyderabad Kingsmen, and Lahore Qalandars are all tied on 4 points but differ in net run rate and matches played.
At the bottom of the table are Rawalpindi, who have not won a match and have zero points after five games.
Also read: Pakistan Cricket Overhauled, ICC Trophy Winner Set To Overtake Responsibility
Pakistan to hold Test Camp in Karachi
To prepare for the Bangladesh series, Pakistan will organise a training camp in Karachi starting from April 29. Players selected for the Test squad are expected to join the camp ahead of the tour.
So there are likely chances will have to miss crucial stage of PSL and attend the camp for the much-awaited series. An earlier red-ball camp is already in progress with 18 players participating. This camp will continue until April 20.
Will Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi Leave PSL?
One of the biggest talking points is whether star players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi will leave the PSL 2026 before its conclusion.
Babar Azam, captain of Peshawar Zalmi, is almost certain to qualify for the playoffs of PSL 2026. There is a strong possibility that Babar Azam could miss the knockout matches, including the final, if they qualify, due to the preparation camp.
On the other hand, Shaheen Afridi's Lahore Qalandars are struggling in seventh place. They still have matches left and a mathematical chance to qualify. However, if they make a late comeback and reach the playoffs, Shaheen, too, might have to leave before the decisive stage.
Pakistan's Schedule after PSL 2026
After the PSL concludes on May 3, Pakistan will tour Bangladesh in May for two Test matches, followed by a tour of Zimbabwe, where they will likely play three ODIs and three T20Is.
In June, Australia will visit Pakistan for a three-match ODI series. Then, Pakistan will travel to the West Indies in July and August for two Test matches.
A major highlight is the tour of England from August 19 to September 13, where Pakistan will play a three-Test series. Later in October, Pakistan will tour Sri Lanka for three T20Is and also host a tri-series at home.
In November, Sri Lanka will visit Pakistan for two Test matches, and in March 2027, New Zealand are scheduled to tour Pakistan for another two-Test series.
Also Read: Bangladesh Predicted Playing XI vs New Zealand- NZ Tour of BAN 2026, 1st ODI
