Quick Read
- Babar Azam has been dropped from the ODI squad following a period of inconsistent form in both T20 and 50-over formats.
- Mohammad Rizwan continues to serve as a key component of the team alongside captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.
- The series against Bangladesh, commencing March 11 at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, features an influx of six uncapped players.
DHAKA (Azat TV) – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially confirmed its 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh, marking a definitive shift in the national team’s leadership strategy. While veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan retains his place in the side, the selection notably omits former captain Babar Azam, signaling a broader effort to revitalize the batting order following recent international tournament struggles.
Pakistan Squad Strategy and Team Evolution
The decision to exclude Azam follows a challenging ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign, where the 31-year-old managed only 91 runs across four matches. His departure from the ODI squad is coupled with a decline in his 50-over performance, where he averaged 34 in 2025. In contrast, the management has maintained faith in Rizwan, who remains a central figure in the squad led by left-arm seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi.
This roster overhaul introduces a wave of new talent, including six uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, and Shamyl Hussain. The inclusion of Farhan comes on the heels of a record-breaking T20 World Cup run, where he established himself as a premier international opener by scoring 383 runs, surpassing previous tournament records.
The Rising Profile of Sahibzada Farhan
Farhan’s elevation to the ODI setup highlights the PCB’s commitment to the aggressive batting philosophy that defined their 2025 strategy. His performance in the T20 World Cup earned him a spot in the ICC’s Team of the Tournament, where he was the sole representative from Pakistan. Beyond his international success, Farhan has seen his financial standing rise, recently securing a significant contract with the Multan Sultans for the 2026 Pakistan Super League season.
- Babar Azam has been dropped from the ODI squad following a period of inconsistent form in both T20 and 50-over formats.
- Mohammad Rizwan continues to serve as a key component of the team alongside captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.
- The series against Bangladesh, commencing March 11 at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, features an influx of six uncapped players.
The exclusion of a high-profile figure like Babar Azam suggests that the Pakistan Cricket Board is prioritizing immediate statistical output and tactical versatility over established seniority as they transition into a new cycle of international competition.