Pakistan Announced ODI Squad for Bangladesh Series Six Uncapped Players
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh, scheduled to take place from March 11 to 15 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka . The squad marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s white-ball strategy, with left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi continuing as captain and six uncapped players earning their maiden call-ups .
The most notable headlines from the squad announcement are the omissions of former captain Babar Azam and young opener Saim Ayub, signaling a major transition in the team’s hierarchy as Pakistan begins its long-term preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup .
Complete Pakistan ODI Squad
Player Role Notes
- Shaheen Shah Afridi Captain / Fast Bowler Continuing as ODI captain
- Mohammad Rizwan Wicketkeeper Batter Senior player, retains place
- Salman Ali Agha All-rounder Experienced middle-order option
- Sahibzada Farhan Batter Uncapped, T20 World Cup hero
- Abdul Samad Batter Uncapped, recent Shaheens player
- Maaz Sadaqat Batter Uncapped, recent Shaheens player
- Shamyl Hussain Batter Uncapped, recent Shaheens player
- Saad Masood All-rounder Uncapped, recent Shaheens player
- Muhammad Ghazi Ghori Wicketkeeper Batter Uncapped, second wicketkeeper
- Haris Rauf Fast Bowler Recalled after rest
- Mohammad Wasim Jnr Fast Bowler Pace bowling all-rounder
- Faheem Ashraf All-rounder Returns to ODI setup
- Abrar Ahmed Mystery Spinner Key spin option
- Faisal Akram Left-arm Spinner Young spin talent
- Hussain Talat All-rounder Recalled after performances
Read Also Here: ICC T20I Rankings 2026 Farhan Second India Top Team
Six Uncapped Players Make the Cut
The selection committee has injected fresh blood into the ODI setup by including six uncapped players who have impressed in domestic cricket and recently featured for Pakistan Shaheens against England Lions in Abu Dhabi .
The New Faces
Sahibzada Farhan – The 29-year-old opening batter has been rewarded for his phenomenal run in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 383 runs in six innings, including two centuries . His consistent performances made his selection inevitable despite his lack of ODI experience .
Abdul Samad – A powerful middle-order batter who was part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad against England Lions . His ability to accelerate the scoring rate makes him an exciting prospect for the middle order.
Maaz Sadaqat – Another Shaheens graduate who has shown impressive form in domestic cricket . The young batter will be looking to make his mark if given an opportunity.
Shamyl Hussain – The young left-handed batter, who has been on the selectors’ radar, earns his first call-up after consistent performances in age-group and domestic cricket .
Saad Masood – An all-rounder who brings balance to the side with his ability to contribute with both bat and ball . He was also part of the Shaheens setup in Abu Dhabi.
Muhammad Ghazi Ghori – The wicketkeeper batter provides backup to Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps . His inclusion adds depth to the batting lineup and gives the team flexibility in squad selection.
Major Exclusions: Babar Azam and Saim Ayub Dropped
The squad announcement has been dominated by the news of Babar Azam’s exclusion from the ODI setup for the first time in several years . The former captain, once the undisputed centrepiece of Pakistan’s batting order, has been left out entirely, along with young opener Saim Ayub .
According to selectors, the break is intended to allow the former captain to rediscover his form in domestic cricket . The PCB has clarified that the door remains open for Babar’s return, with officials suggesting this is a strategic move to allow him time away from international pressure .
Other notable absentees include Fakhar Zaman (ruled out due to hamstring injury), Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Haseebullah, and Hasan Nawaz .
Shaheen Afridi Continues as Captain
Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the ODI side, marking his second assignment as captain since taking over the role . His maiden stint in charge came in a home series against South Africa, which Pakistan won 2-1 .
The PCB stated that the decision to retain Afridi as captain was reached after a comprehensive review of the team’s recent white-ball performances . The board expressed confidence that Afridi’s leadership would provide the necessary spark for a squad transitioning toward the 2027 World Cup .
Series Schedule and Venue
Date Match Venue
- March 8 Pakistan arrival in Dhaka –
- March 10 Practice session –
- March 11 1st ODI Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
- March 13 2nd ODI Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
- March 15 3rd ODI Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
All three matches will be played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, with the team scheduled to depart for Bangladesh on March 8 .
Context and Selection Strategy
The selection of six uncapped players and the omission of established stars indicates that the panic button has been pushed following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2026, where the side was eliminated at the Super 8s stage .
According to PCB officials, the team management now wants to try new combinations in preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup . Pakistan last played an ODI series in November 2025, when they hosted Sri Lanka and completed a 3-0 clean sweep . This Bangladesh tour represents the beginning of a new cycle with an eye on the future.
The recall of Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Faheem Ashraf strengthens the bowling department, while Hussain Talat’s inclusion adds depth to the all-rounder options .
Analysis by Best Pak Mag
This squad announcement represents one of the most significant shake-ups in Pakistan’s white-ball cricket in recent memory. The decision to drop Babar Azam, once the team’s batting linchpin and former captain, signals a clear shift in philosophy from the PCB and selection committee . While officials have framed it as an opportunity for Babar to regain form in domestic cricket, the messaging is unmistakable—performances in the T20 World Cup were not acceptable, and no player is immune from scrutiny.
The inclusion of six uncapped players, headlined by T20 World Cup sensation Sahibzada Farhan, suggests Pakistan is looking to build a new core ahead of the 2027 World Cup . Farhan’s 383 runs in the T20 World Cup, including two centuries, proved that he can perform on the biggest stage, and his promotion to the ODI setup is thoroughly deserved.
The retention of Shaheen Afridi as captain, despite the team’s World Cup exit, indicates the PCB’s belief in his leadership potential . His aggressive approach and standing within the dressing room make him the ideal candidate to lead this transition phase.
Notably, the squad still retains senior figures like Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, providing a blend of experience alongside the raw talent of the newcomers . Rizwan’s role as wicketkeeper and senior batter will be crucial in guiding the young players through the challenges of international cricket in Bangladesh.
The series against Bangladesh, while seemingly a bilateral contest, carries deeper significance. It marks the beginning of Pakistan’s journey toward the 2027 World Cup, and the performances of these newcomers will be closely monitored. For players like Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain, this tour represents the opportunity of a lifetime—a chance to stake their claim for a permanent spot in Pakistan’s future plans .
The question now is how quickly this inexperienced lineup can gel and adapt to international conditions. With Babar’s absence creating a leadership vacuum in the batting order, the onus falls on Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha to anchor the innings while the young guns play with freedom. The management’s patience with this new core will be tested, but if the talent translates to performance, Pakistan may have unearthed the foundation for its next golden generation.
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