Kamal Ghorui
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 team with an eye on next year’s 50-over World Cup. The decision follows Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign in India and Sri Lanka, where they failed to reach the semi-finals.
Babar endured a lean run in the T20 tournament, managing only 91 runs. Despite that dip in form, his ODI numbers remain impressive — 6,501 runs and 20 centuries in 140 matches — making his omission a significant call. Alongside him, opener Saim Ayub, all-rounders Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, and fast bowler Naseem Shah have also been left out of the 15-member squad.In a clear sign of transition, Pakistan have drafted in six uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain. The 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 suffering a hamstring injury during the T20 World Cup.Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will captain the side, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed, as the team enters what appears to be a rebuilding phase.With the next ODI World Cup scheduled 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 the lead-up to the global event.
