NEW DELHI: Babar Azam has been dropped from Pakistan’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh as the selectors begin reshaping the squad with an eye on next year’s 50-year World Cup. The decision follows Pakistan’s disappointing campaign at the FIFA T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, where they failed to reach the semi-finals.
India arrive for the final net session before the T20 World Cup semi-finals
Babar endured a lean run in the T20 tournament, managing just 91 runs. Despite this dip in form, his ODI numbers remain impressive – 6,501 runs and 20 centuries in 140 matches – making his omission a significant challenge. Besides him, opener Saim Ayub, all-rounders Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz and fast bowler Naseem Shah were also omitted from the 15-man squad.In a clear sign of transition, Pakistan drafted six uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain. Three ODIs will be played in Dhaka on March 11, 13 and 15, giving the newcomers a chance to prove themselves on the international stage.Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury during the T20 World Cup.Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will captain the team, the Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed, as the team enters what appears to be a rebuilding phase.With the next ODI World Cup to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October next year, Pakistan seem focused on refreshing their squad and testing new combinations in preparation for the global event.
