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Babar Azam Excluded from Pakistan ODI Squad as Shaheen Afridi Takes Charge

In a significant shake-up, Babar Azam has been dropped from the Pakistan ODI squad following a disappointing T20 World Cup performance. Shaheen Afridi will continue as captain, leading a fresh team that includes six uncapped players. The squad features notable names like Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf, while the ODI series is set to commence on March 11 in Dhaka. This new lineup aims to rejuvenate Pakistan's cricketing prospects after recent challenges.
By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 4, 2026, 20:53 IST

Babar Azam Omitted from the Team

The experienced batsman Babar Azam has been dropped from the squad.


At 31 years old, he struggled during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, scoring only 91 runs in four matches. His performance in ODIs also declined in 2025, where he accumulated 544 runs over 17 innings, averaging 34.

Shaheen Afridi to Captain a Revamped Team

Shaheen Shah Afridi, the left-arm fast bowler, will retain his role as captain, leading a squad that includes six players yet to make their international debuts.


Newcomers Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, and Shamyl Hussain have all received their first call-ups to the ODI team.


Farhan's selection follows an impressive T20 World Cup performance, where he scored 383 runs, setting a record for the most runs in a single men's tournament.


Four of the new players—Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood, and Shamyl Hussain—recently showcased their skills with the Pakistan Shaheens against the England Lions in Abu Dhabi, which helped secure their spots.

Overview of the Pakistan Squad

The Pakistan squad includes: 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, and Shamyl Hussain.


Schedule for the ODI Series

The ODI series is scheduled as follows:



  • 11 March - First ODI at Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka


  • 13 March - Second ODI at Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka


  • 15 March - Third ODI at Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka