In a transfer that indicators the start of a brand new chapter for Pakistan cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI collection in opposition to Bangladesh – one which notably leaves out former captain Babar Azam.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, comes on the heels of Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 marketing campaign and marks one of the vital dramatic squad overhauls in recent times. What has actually caught everybody’s consideration is the inclusion of six uncapped gamers, highlighting the selectors’ clear intent to rebuild with recent expertise.
Shaheen Afridi will proceed to steer the ODI facet regardless of Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup on the Tremendous Eight stage. The left-arm pacer retains the captaincy because the group appears to be like to maneuver ahead with a revamped squad. Skilled gamers like Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, and Salman Ali Agha stay a part of the group, offering a way of continuity. Nonetheless, the absence of Babar Azam – arguably Pakistan’s most profitable lively ODI batter – has shocked followers and specialists, marking the primary time in his profession that he has been dropped from the ODI setup.
Youth takes centre stage in Pakistan’s ODI squad for Bangladesh tour
The selectors have clearly chosen to put money into youth, handing maiden call-ups to 6 uncapped gamers: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain. A number of of those gamers not too long ago featured for Pakistan Shaheens in opposition to England Lions in Abu Dhabi, giving them precious publicity in opposition to sturdy opposition.
Among the many newcomers, Sahibzada Farhan stands out after a sensational T20 World Cup marketing campaign. The explosive opener completed because the event’s highest run-scorer, piling up 383 runs in six innings at an unimaginable common of 76.60 and a strike price of 160.25. He additionally made historical past by turning into the primary participant within the event to attain two centuries in a single version. One other promising title is Maaz Sadaqat, who impressed within the 2025 Rising Stars Asia Cup. The younger all-rounder topped the run charts with 258 runs in 5 innings whereas sustaining a staggering strike price of practically 178, and he additionally contributed with seven wickets.
In the meantime, Fakhar Zaman misses out as a result of hamstring damage he sustained through the T20 World Cup 2026, whereas gamers like Saim Ayub, Haseebullah, Mohammad Nawaz and Naseem Shah have additionally been not noted. The tempo assault will probably be spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, with Mohammad Wasim Jr offering further assist. Within the spin division, Abrar Ahmed and Faisal Akram will probably be anticipated so as to add selection.
Additionally READ: PCB set to penalise Pakistan players following underwhelming display at T20 World Cup 2026 – Reports
Pakistan will journey to Dhaka on March 8 forward of the ODI collection in opposition to Bangladesh, with a observe session scheduled for March 10. All three matches will happen on the Shere Bangla Nationwide Stadium on March 11, 13 and 15. The tour comes lower than a 12 months after Pakistan final visited Bangladesh, when the hosts received the T20I collection in July 2025.
Pakistan’s 15-man ODI 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, Shamyl Hussain
Additionally READ: Shahid Afridi blasts next potential captain of Pakistan after T20 World Cup 2026 exit amid leadership crisis debate
