Pakistan cricket team head coach Mike Hesson has justified the decision to leave Babar Azam out of the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh. The former Pakistan captain has come under fire for his below-average performances in the T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan will start their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, and it starts with their series against BAN.
End of Babar Azam?
Speaking to reporters, Mike Hesson claimed that no player was dropped, insisting that the decision to leave Babar out was to give a chance to other youngsters.
“I wouldn’t say anyone was dropped. We just see this series as an opportunity to give these promising players a chance to prove themselves,” Hesson said.
He further explained that Sahibzada Farhan had forced himself into the squad after stellar performances in the T20 World Cup 2026. The Pakistan opener finished as the leading run-getter in the tournament, scoring 383 runs – the most by a batter in a T20 WC edition. The Pakistan coach also added that others like Hussain and Sadaqat have been doing well in the domestic circuit.
“Sahibzada Farhan has forced himself into the ODI squad because of his exceptional performances in T20s, and then young players like Shamyl Hussain or Maaz Sadaqat have been doing well in domestic cricket and junior sides. The series will not be easy as Bangladesh have been playing a lot more one-day cricket than us. I see this series as a big opportunity for these new players,” said Hesson.
Pakistan squad for BAN ODIs
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, and Shamyl Hussain
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