Pakistan Announces ODI Squad, Babar Azam Left Out

Ahead of their upcoming tour of Bangladesh, the Pakistan national cricket team has named a 15-member ODI squad. The team will be led by pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi. The biggest surprise in the announcement is the absence of former captain Babar Azam.

Babar’s exclusion from the ODI squad has raised eyebrows in the cricketing world. His recent performance in the T20 World Cup fell short of expectations, scoring just 91 runs in six matches with a strike rate of 112.34. This form is believed to have influenced the selectors’ decision.

This series features a significant number of new faces in the squad. Six players who are yet to make their ODI debut—Abdul Samad, Maj Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghouri, Saad Masood, Shamil Hossain, and Farhan—have been included.

Experienced opener Fakhar Zaman is missing from the squad. According to Pakistani media outlet Geo News, he has been ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury.

Pakistan will arrive in Bangladesh on March 8 to play the three-match ODI series. All matches will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on March 11, 13, and 15. Facing Bangladesh at home with a youthful squad adds a fresh dimension and intrigue to the series.

Pakistan Squad:

Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Fahim Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maj Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim, Muhammad Ghazi Ghouri (wicketkeeper), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Aga, and Shamil Hossain.