In a sudden administrative shift, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has replaced veteran manager Naveed Akram Cheema with Irtaza Kumail for the upcoming ODI tour of Bangladesh. The change comes just as the team prepares to play its first 50-over series since November 2025.
Trophy unveiled for the Bangladesh vs Pakistan ODI series. The 3-match ODI series starts tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/66u9y8VlIh
— Khan (@ccricket713) March 10, 2026
Administrative Transition: From Security to Management
Irtaza Kumail, an 18th-grade police officer who has served as the national team’s security manager for the past two years, has been elevated to the role of Acting Team Manager. While some reports suggest Cheema is unavailable due to family reasons, others point to the fallout from a harassment allegation involving a player during the recent T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, where Cheema had to intervene and issue apologies to hotel staff.
Following Kumail’s promotion, Salman Liaquat has been appointed as the team’s new Security Officer, marking his first assignment with the senior men’s squad.
DAY TWO: Highlights of Pakistan camp for the Bangladesh ODI series in Karachi.
VC: PCB#BANvPAK | #Cricket | #Pakistan | #ShaheenAfridi | #Karachi pic.twitter.com/MXYFz9d3xM
— Khel Shel (@khelshel) March 7, 2026
A ‘New-Look’ Squad Led by Shaheen Afridi
Head coach Mike Hesson is leading a significantly revamped 15-member squad that excludes several senior stars like Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Nawaz. The PCB is using this series to test emerging talent as part of the early build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The squad features six uncapped players:
- Sahibzada Farhan & Shamyl Hussain (Openers)
- Abdul Samad (Lower-middle order)
- Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (Wicketkeeper)
- Maaz Sadaqat & Saad Masood (All-rounders)
Tour Schedule: Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka
The Pakistan team arrived in Dhaka on March 8 and will undergo its final practice session today, Tuesday, March 10, before the series opener tomorrow.
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (PKT) |
| 1st ODI | Wednesday, March 11 | Sher-e-Bangla Stadium | 1:15 PM |
| 2nd ODI | Friday, March 13 | Sher-e-Bangla Stadium | 1:15 PM |
| 3rd ODI | Sunday, March 15 | Sher-e-Bangla Stadium | 1:15 PM |
“This is an exciting group of fresh faces who have earned their spots through strong performances with Pakistan Shaheens. Our challenge is to adapt quickly to the Dhaka pitches.” — Mike Hesson, Head Coach.
The Dhaka Opener
The first ODI kicks off tomorrow afternoon. All eyes will be on Shaheen Shah Afridi’s captaincy and the debutant’s ability to handle the “Tiger’s Den” in Mirpur. Fans can expect the foreign coaching staff—including Ashley Noffke and Shane McDermott—to implement a high-intensity fielding and bowling strategy for the series.
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