The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to exclude prominent cricketer Babar Azam from their One Day Internationals (ODI) squad for the forthcoming tour of Bangladesh. This decision follows a disappointing performance by Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026, where the team was eliminated during the Super 8 stage. In that tournament, Azam scored only 91 runs across four innings, averaging 22.75, with a highest score of 46. His recent form in T20 internationals contributed to this choice, as he struggled to make an impact at a critical time.

Decline in ODI Performance

In addition to his difficulties in the T20 format, Babar Azam’s ODI statistics have shown a notable decline in performance throughout 2025. He tallied 544 runs from 17 innings, possessing an average of 34 and a strike rate of 77.16, which does not meet the expectations for a player of his caliber. This combination of weakening statistics in both formats led selectors to seek new talent, reflecting a strategic move to revitalize the team following inconsistent results in international competitions.

New Talents Featured in the Squad

The selectors have named six uncapped players for the Bangladesh tour: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, and Shamyl Hussain. This inclusion indicates a shift towards building a fresh lineup that can potentially yield better performances in the upcoming matches. Shaheen Afridi has been appointed to continue as captain, and notable senior players, including Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf, will also maintain their positions in the squad.

Sahibzada Farhan’s Recognition for T20 Showings

Among the new players, Sahibzada Farhan has received particular recognition for his outstanding performances at the T20 World Cup 2026. He recorded a remarkable total of 383 runs in six innings, achieving an average of 76.60 and an impressive strike rate of 160.25. His noteworthy achievements during the tournament included two centuries and two half-centuries. This made him the first cricketer in the history of the T20 World Cup to score two centuries in the same edition.

Upcoming ODI Series Details

The three-match ODI series against Bangladesh is set to commence on March 11, with all games scheduled to take place at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. The upcoming series presents an opportunity for the newly assembled squad to establish itself and potentially turn the tide for Pakistan cricket on the international stage.

Complete Pakistan ODI Squad for Bangladesh Tour

The complete Pakistan squad for the upcoming ODI series includes the following players: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Junior, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, and Shamyl Hussain.

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