Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson clarified why Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Naseem Shah were not included in the squad for the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh. Babar, who struggled for form in the T20 World Cup where Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals, he was left out of the ODI squad, a decision that raised many eyebrows.
Hesson explained that rather than looking at it as a withdrawal of players, the move was aimed at giving young players a chance to prove themselves ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
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“I wouldn’t say anyone is out. We just see this series as an opportunity to give these promising players a chance to prove themselves,” Hesson told reporters.
The national selectors included six uncapped players in the squad: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain. Out of them, Sadaqat, Ghazi Ghori, Masood and Hussain are yet to make their international debut in any format.
Hesson said Sahibzada Farhan rightly deserved his place, especially after his performances in the T20 World Cup, where he finished as the top scorer with centuries against Namibia and Sri Lanka. The Pakistan coach also expressed confidence in Maaz Sadaqat and Shamyl Hussain to make an impact in the upcoming series.
“Sahabzada Farhan has forced his way into the ODI squad with his exceptional performances in T20s and young players like Shamyl Hussain or Maaz Sadaqat have done well in domestic and junior cricket,” Hesson said.
Pakistan’s first ODI against Bangladesh will be played on Wednesday, March 11 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Pakistan squad for ODI series against Bangladesh
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Shaad Husashan, Salhibain and Sahib.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
09 March 2026 20:48 IST
