Monday, 6th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 4th March 2026, 10:31 AM
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh. In a surprising development, former captain Babar Azam has been left out of the squad, despite being in excellent form and having scored a century in the most recent ODI series. The team features six uncapped players, signalling a focus on introducing fresh talent and building depth in the side.
The exclusion of Babar Azam has generated widespread attention among cricket analysts and fans alike. Babar’s consistent performances, particularly in recent ODIs, have made him a central figure in Pakistan’s batting lineup. PCB selectors, however, have indicated that the decision reflects a strategic approach to provide opportunities to emerging players while maintaining team balance.
| No | Player Name | Role | Notes / Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shaheen Afridi | Bowler | Regular pace spearhead, experienced leader |
| 2 | Hasan Ali | Bowler | Right-arm fast bowler, match-winner in ODIs |
| 3 | Fahim Ashraf | All-rounder | Medium-fast bowler, capable lower-middle order batsman |
| 4 | Imam-ul-Haq | Batsman | Experienced opener, stabilising presence |
| 5 | Mohammad Rizwan | Wicketkeeper-batsman | In-form keeper, consistent performer |
| 6 | Abdullah Shahi | Batsman | Emerging talent, ODI debut pending |
| 7 | Mushfiqur Hossain | Batsman | Uncapped player, promising middle-order option |
| 8 | Nasir Jaman | Bowler | Young fast bowler, uncapped |
| 9 | Shoaib Mehmood | Bowler | Uncapped pace bowler |
| 10 | Umar Akmal | All-rounder | Provides batting depth and bowling options |
| 11 | Ferdous Hossain | Batsman | ODI debutant, middle-order prospect |
| 12 | Habib-ul-Hasan | Bowler | Medium pace, adds variety to bowling attack |
| 13 | Tanzim Shah | Batsman | Promising newcomer, uncapped |
| 14 | Kamran Gul | Batsman | Middle-order batsman, ODI debutant |
| 15 | Amir Khan | Bowler | Young fast bowler, uncapped |
Selectors emphasised that while Babar Azam’s absence is notable, the squad aims to balance youth and experience. The inclusion of six uncapped players reflects a deliberate strategy to test emerging talent in a competitive environment and build a stronger bench for future series.
Cricket analysts have suggested that this series could be a turning point for Pakistan’s ODI setup, offering young players the opportunity to establish themselves at the international level. Experienced players like Shaheen Afridi and Imam-ul-Haq are expected to guide the newcomers and maintain team stability throughout the series.
The series, scheduled to take place in Bangladesh next month, will consist of three ODIs. Each match is anticipated to be highly competitive, with the new and experienced players striving to leave a mark and enhance Pakistan’s squad depth ahead of future international tournaments.
This squad announcement has already sparked significant discussion across social media platforms, with fans and experts debating the merits of the selection and the implications of leaving out a senior player of Babar’s calibre.
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