Pakistan Excludes Babar Azam from ODI Squad for Bangladesh Series
Synopsis
In a bold decision, Pakistan has dropped former captain Babar Azam from the ODI squad ahead of the series against Bangladesh. This comes after a disappointing World Cup campaign, signaling a new direction for the team. Discover the implications and the fresh faces included in the squad.
Key Takeaways
Babar Azam excluded from ODI squad.
Team undergoes major restructuring.
Shaheen Shah Afridi remains captain.
Six uncapped players added to the squad.
Sahibzada Farhan rewarded for outstanding T20 performance.
Lahore, March 4 (NationPress) In a surprising move, Pakistan has excluded former captain Babar Azam from the lineup for the forthcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, starting March 11. This decision follows the team’s lackluster performance in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where they failed to progress beyond the Super 8s stage.
In 2025, Babar played 17 ODIs, amassing 544 runs with a strike rate of 77.16. Even though he scored a century in the last ODI series against Sri Lanka, selectors have opted for a fresh approach due to his recent underwhelming form. His exclusion has drawn criticism from various former cricketers who have suggested a potential long-term hiatus from white-ball cricket.
The 31-year-old's T20 World Cup 2026 performance was lackluster, with only 91 runs over four matches.
The changes don’t stop there. Fakhar Zaman, who scored a half-century in his last ODI and performed well in the T20 World Cup, has also been dropped, indicating a significant transition in Pakistan's limited-overs strategy.
Notably absent are young talents Saim Ayub and pacer Naseem Shah. Saim struggled for form recently and was left out during the World Cup, while Naseem’s absence is part of the selectors' reshuffle.
On a positive note, Sahibzada Farhan has been called up after a stellar T20 World Cup, where he scored two centuries and set a record for the most runs in a single edition.
Despite facing scrutiny post-World Cup, Shaheen Shah Afridi retains his captaincy for the series against Bangladesh, with management expressing confidence in his ability to lead this transition. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, who was not included in the World Cup squad, makes his return.
The squad for the Bangladesh ODI features six uncapped players, emphasizing a strategy focused on evaluating bench strength and developing depth for future challenges.
Pakistan's Squad for Bangladesh ODI:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, and Shamyl Hussain.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the impact of Pakistan's decision to drop Babar Azam. This move reflects a larger trend towards restructuring the team after a disappointing World Cup. While it has ignited debate among fans and experts, the focus on emerging talent could signal a brighter future for the squad.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Babar Azam dropped from the squad?
Babar Azam was dropped due to his recent form and the team's disappointing performance in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
Who will captain Pakistan in the Bangladesh ODI series?
Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to captain the Pakistan team for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh.
How many uncapped players are included in the squad?
The squad for the Bangladesh ODI series includes six uncapped players.
What was Babar Azam's performance in the T20 World Cup?
Babar Azam scored only 91 runs in four matches during the T20 World Cup 2026.
Who are the notable inclusions in the new squad?
Sahibzada Farhan, who had an excellent T20 World Cup, is a notable inclusion, among others.
