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Babar Azam Axed as Pakistan Picks Uncapped Six for Bangladesh ODIs

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series in Bangladesh, notably omitting former captain Babar Azam. Six uncapped players have earned maiden call-ups to the national setup. Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the side, which blends new talent with experienced campaigners like Mohammad Rizwan. The ODI series is scheduled to be played in Dhaka from March 11 to 15.

Key Points: Pakistan Drops Babar Azam for Bangladesh ODI Series

  • Babar Azam dropped from ODI squad
  • Shaheen Afridi continues as captain
  • Six uncapped players receive call-ups
  • Series starts March 11 in Dhaka
2 min read

Babar Azam dropped as Pakistan names ODI squad for Bangladesh Tour

Pakistan announces ODI squad for Bangladesh tour, dropping former captain Babar Azam and calling up six uncapped players. Shaheen Afridi to lead.

"Veteran batter Babar Azam was left out of the squad. - Pakistan Cricket Board"

Islamabad, March 4

Pakistan Cricket Board have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh.

According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), the three-match ODI series is slated to be played in Dhaka from March 11 to March 15.

Veteran batter Babar Azam was left out of the squad. The 31-year-old had a poor ICC Men's T20 World Cup campaign, where he managed just 91 runs from four outings with the bat.

Beyond his difficulties in T20Is, the former Pakistan skipper also saw his ODI form dip in 2025, managing 544 runs across 17 innings at an average of 34.

Left-arm seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue as captain, leading a group that features six uncapped players.

Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain have all earned maiden call-ups to the ODI setup.

Farhan's call-up comes on the back of a historic T20 World Cup campaign, where he smashed 383 runs, the highest in a single campaign in the men's event.

Four of the uncapped players - Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood and Shamyl Hussain - were recently part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad that faced England Lions in Abu Dhabi, with a series of good showings earning their place in the squad.

The squad also includes experienced campaigners such as wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, pacers Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jnr, all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Salman Ali Agha and wrist-spinner Abrar Ahmed.

Pakistan squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha and Shamyl Hussain.

11 March - First ODI, Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka

13 March - Second ODI, Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka

15 March - Third ODI, Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Dropping your best batter? That's a bold move. His average of 34 last year isn't even that bad by modern ODI standards. Seems like a reaction to the T20 World Cup failure. Could backfire.
A
Ananya R
As an Indian fan, I have to say Babar is a class player. He'll be back. But good to see new faces like Sahibzada Farhan getting a chance after that amazing T20 WC. Pakistan's bench strength looks interesting!
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Vikram M
PCB and their drama never ends 😅 One minute he's captain, next he's dropped. Hope this doesn't become another case of mismanaging a top talent. Focus should be on building for the next Champions Trophy.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, I think this is a bit harsh. He's been their rock for years. A break might help him, but dropping him entirely from the squad? Against Bangladesh? Should have been given this series to find form.
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Michael C
Six uncapped players! That's a massive overhaul. Shaheen has a big job leading this new-look side. Will be fascinating to watch. The Indo-Pak rivalry needs a strong Pakistan team, so I hope this rebuild works.

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