Pakistan have left former captain Babar Azam out of their ODI squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, a move that signals a major shift in the team’s approach ahead of the next 50-over World Cup.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) named a 15-player squad for the three-match series in Dhaka from March 11 to 15, with Shaheen Shah Afridi set to captain a significantly reshaped side that includes six uncapped players.
The decision to omit one of Pakistan’s most accomplished batters has sparked debate across the country, with former internationals questioning the reasoning behind the selection call.
Babar Azam dropped after difficult T20 World Cup
Babar’s exclusion comes shortly after Pakistan’s disappointing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign in India and Sri Lanka, where the team failed to reach the semi-finals.
The former captain endured a difficult tournament with the bat, scoring just 91 runs in four innings.
Selectors also appear to have considered his recent ODI form, with Babar scoring 544 runs in 17 innings during 2025 at an average of 34, despite registering a century in his most recent ODI series against Sri Lanka.
Even so, the decision represents a significant call given Babar’s record in the format. Across 140 ODIs, he has accumulated 6,501 runs and 20 centuries, making him one of Pakistan’s most prolific modern batters.
Pakistan introduce six uncapped players
Pakistan’s squad overhaul includes six players receiving their first ODI call-ups: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain.
Several of the newcomers impressed during domestic competitions and Pakistan Shaheens matches, including recent fixtures against England Lions in Abu Dhabi.
Farhan’s selection has drawn particular attention after his standout ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign, where he scored 383 runs — the highest tally by any batter during the tournament.
The new-look squad also retains experienced figures including Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Ali Agha and wrist-spinner Abrar Ahmed.
The Bangladesh series is expected to serve as a testing ground for these new combinations as Pakistan begin shaping their plans for the next ODI World Cup, scheduled for October next year in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Critics call for PCB to explain Babar Azam decision
The decision to leave out Babar has triggered strong reactions from former Pakistan players, with some calling on the PCB to provide clarity on the selection rationale.
Former fast bowler Mohammad Amir questioned whether the decision was based on format-specific performance or part of a longer-term strategy.
“Why have you dropped Saim Ayub and Babar Azam from ODIs? Was the decision taken based on their performance in T20Is, or have you rested them from the ODIs? If you have dropped them, then how will they make a comeback? Which tournaments do they have to play? I want to ask this,” Amir said during an appearance on Geo News’ ‘Haarna Mana Hai’ show.
“Only some months are left for the World Cup, so will these new players play the World Cup? If they don’t perform in the next two series, will the players you have dropped make a comeback? Just give me clarity on this,” he added.
Ahmed Shehzad says Babar ‘doesn’t deserve this’
Former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad also raised concerns about how the decision was handled and whether Babar was consulted before being dropped.
“Babar Azam has fans worldwide. They need clarity. Did you take him into confidence before making such a call? It’s okay if he didn’t perform. Or was there any other concern? If that’s the case, then tell us as well,” said Shehzad.
He went further, arguing that the public deserves transparency if there were deeper issues behind the move.
“Let the people know that Pakistan cricket got hampered for some reasons, and Babar played a prominent role. And that’s why we sidelined him. If this is not the reason, then Babar doesn’t deserve this. He’s your best batter as far as Pakistan cricket is concerned. Pakistan don’t have a better batter than him,” he added.
Bangladesh series to test Pakistan’s new ODI direction
With Shaheen Afridi leading the side and several newcomers entering the setup, the Bangladesh series will provide Pakistan’s selectors with an early indication of whether their squad reset is moving in the right direction.
For now, however, the biggest talking point remains the absence of Babar Azam — a decision that could shape Pakistan’s ODI plans as they build toward next year’s World Cup.
