Lahore, Pakistan — March 4, 2026
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a major shake-up in its ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh, leaving out former captain Babar Azam and handing the leadership role to fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The decision has sparked significant discussion in the cricketing world, as Babar—long considered one of Pakistan’s most reliable batters—was not included in the 15-member squad traveling to Dhaka later this month. The matches will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Babar Azam Left Out After T20 World Cup Disappointment
Pakistan’s squad overhaul comes shortly after a disappointing campaign in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where the team failed to progress beyond the Super-8 stage.
Babar struggled for form throughout the tournament, and he was even left out of the playing XI for Pakistan’s final Super-8 match. His absence from the ODI squad has raised questions about whether selectors are planning a longer-term shift in strategy.
Interestingly, the ODI format has traditionally been Babar’s strongest. The top-order batter holds an average above 46 in One-Day Internationals and recently scored a century against Sri Lanka. Despite that record, selectors opted for a different direction.
Saim Ayub has also been omitted from the squad.
Six Uncapped Players Included in Major Squad Revamp
In one of the most significant squad changes in recent years, PCB selectors have included six uncapped players, signaling a focus on building depth and exploring new talent.
The newcomers are:
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Sahibzada Farhan
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Abdul Samad
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Maaz Sadaqat
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Muhammad Ghazi Ghori
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Saad Masood
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Shameel Hussain
All six players recently represented Pakistan Shaheens against the England Lions in Abu Dhabi, where they impressed selectors with their performances.
Muhammad Ghazi Ghori has been selected as a wicketkeeper option alongside Mohammad Rizwan, who remains the team’s primary wicketkeeper.
Shaheen Afridi Returns as Captain
Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will once again lead the side for the Bangladesh ODI series. The squad also sees the return of Haris Rauf and Hussain Talat.
Several established players have retained their places, including:
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Abrar Ahmed
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Faheem Ashraf
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Faisal Akram
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Mohammad Wasim Jr
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Salman Ali Agha
The mix of experienced players and emerging talent indicates that Pakistan may be entering a transitional phase ahead of upcoming international competitions.
Turning Point for Babar Azam?
For years, Babar Azam’s name was one of the first on Pakistan’s team sheet across all formats. However, modern limited-overs cricket increasingly demands higher strike rates and aggressive scoring approaches.
Despite his strong ODI statistics, critics have often pointed to Babar’s strike rate and performance in high-pressure matches as areas of concern.
His exclusion from the Bangladesh ODI squad suggests that selectors may now be prioritizing tactical flexibility and aggressive batting styles.
If Babar can produce strong performances in domestic competitions or future international opportunities, he could still reclaim his place. However, this omission marks a significant moment in his international career.
Pakistan ODI Squad for Bangladesh Tour
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Shaheen Shah Afridi (Captain)
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Abdul Samad
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Abrar Ahmed
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Faheem Ashraf
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Faisal Akram
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Haris Rauf
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Hussain Talat
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Maaz Sadaqat
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Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper)
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Mohammad Wasim Jr
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Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (Wicketkeeper)
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Saad Masood
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Sahibzada Farhan
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Salman Ali Agha
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Shameel Hussain
The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played in Dhaka later this month.
