Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh. In a move that has surprised cricket enthusiasts worldwide, former captain Babar Azam has been omitted from the squad. This decision comes despite Babar’s outstanding recent form, including a century in the last ODI series, making his absence particularly noteworthy.
Selectors have emphasised that the squad’s composition reflects a strategic focus on nurturing young talent while maintaining a balance of experience and skill. Notably, six uncapped players have been included, signalling Pakistan’s intent to test fresh talent on an international stage and build depth for future competitions. Analysts believe this series could serve as a critical platform for these newcomers to prove themselves.
Pakistan ODI Squad for Bangladesh Series 2026
| No | Player Name | Role | Notes / Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shaheen Afridi | Bowler | Leading fast bowler, experienced in ODIs |
| 2 | Hasan Ali | Bowler | Right-arm pacer, proven match-winner |
| 3 | Fahim Ashraf | All-rounder | Medium-fast bowling, capable lower-middle order batting |
| 4 | Imam-ul-Haq | Batsman | Experienced opener, stabilises the top order |
| 5 | Mohammad Rizwan | Wicketkeeper-batsman | In-form keeper, consistent performer |
| 6 | Abdullah Shahi | Batsman | Emerging talent, ODI debut awaited |
| 7 | Mushfiqur Hossain | Batsman | Uncapped middle-order player |
| 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, promising middle-order batsman |
| 12 | Habib-ul-Hasan | Bowler | Medium-pace bowler, adds variety to attack |
| 13 | Tanzim Shah | Batsman | Uncapped, highly rated young talent |
| 14 | Kamran Gul | Batsman | Middle-order batsman, ODI debutant |
| 15 | Amir Khan | Bowler | Young fast bowler, uncapped |
The omission of Babar Azam has ignited widespread discussion across media and cricketing circles. While fans express surprise and curiosity, selectors maintain that this approach will provide a competitive environment for emerging players and encourage the development of future team leaders.
Cricket experts predict that this series will be a testing ground for Pakistan’s young cricketers, allowing them to gain valuable international experience under the guidance of seasoned campaigners such as Shaheen Afridi and Imam-ul-Haq. The blend of youth and experience is expected to create a dynamic team capable of adapting to various match situations.
The three-match ODI series is scheduled to be held in Bangladesh next month. Each encounter is expected to be fiercely competitive, with newcomers eager to make an impact and senior players tasked with stabilising and leading the team. This series represents both an opportunity for talent assessment and a step towards strengthening Pakistan’s ODI squad for upcoming international tournaments.