Reason behind Babar’s exclusion from Bangladesh ODIs revealed Babar Azam’s absence from the national squad for the Bangladesh tour has been attributed to fitness concerns. The senior batter was not selected due to his poor performance in the World Cup, which raised questions about his readiness for international cricket. Later, he refused to participate in the National T20 Cup, citing leg pain. A PCB doctor, Javed Mughal, examined his injury and found it to be serious, prompting treatment. The selection committee initially excluded Babar from the Bangladesh tour squad, but coach Mike Hesson later stated that the decision was not a drop but a rest to give opportunities to younger players. Selector Aaqib Javed clarified that Babar’s exclusion was due to fitness issues, adding that Fakhar Zaman also faced similar problems. Both players were reportedly not fully fit after the World Cup, yet they were included in the squad based on clearance reports from team physio Cliff Deacon. Confusion arose from conflicting statements, with sources claiming Babar and Fakhar played in the T20 World Cup despite incomplete fitness, which impacted their performance. The selectors were unaware of their condition, leading to the decision to rest them. When the National T20 Cup approached, Babar declined participation due to leg pain, but his injury was found to be more severe than initially thought. Fakhar’s fitness issues also raised questions about how he was included in the World Cup squad. PCB officials are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the players’ fitness status. Additional concerns have emerged about the fitness of younger players, including Mohammad Rizwan, who was not fully fit during the Bangladesh tour.#babar_azam #mike_hesson #fakhar_zaman #aqib_javed #javed_mughal
Bangladesh vs Pakistan 1st ODI: Live Streaming Details and Match Context Pakistan will open their three-match ODI series against Bangladesh on Wednesday, March 11, at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The match marks Pakistan’s return to competitive cricket after their failure to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals. The team’s decision to drop key players such as Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, and Naseem Shah has sparked debate, with coach Mike Hesson citing limited opportunities to evaluate younger talent as a reason for the changes. The series in Bangladesh is seen as a chance to test these prospects. Bangladesh, meanwhile, was excluded from the T20 World Cup after their demands were not met by the ICC, leading to their replacement by Scotland. The ODI series against Pakistan offers the Tigers a platform to rebuild and regain momentum. The first match will begin at 1:45 PM IST, with the toss scheduled for 1:15 PM. Live coverage of the match will not be broadcast on any Indian TV channels, but fans can follow the action through the FanCode app and website. The game is expected to draw significant attention, given the rivalry between the two teams and the context of their recent cricketing challenges. The series will be a crucial test for both teams, with Pakistan aiming to bounce back from their T20 World Cup exit and Bangladesh seeking to assert their position in the global cricketing landscape. The outcome of the first ODI could set the tone for the entire series and provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of both squads.#pakistan #t20_world_cup_2026 #mike_hesson #bangladesh #shere_bangla_national_stadium
Babar Azam Excluded from Pakistan's ODI Series Against Bangladesh, Coach Emphasizes Youth Opportunity Pakistan’s cricket selectors have opted to exclude veteran opener Babar Azam from the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh, with coach Mike Hesson citing the need to provide opportunities to younger players. The decision comes as part of a broader strategy to groom emerging talent ahead of the 2027 ICC World Cup. Hesson clarified that the exclusion is not a reflection of Azam’s current form but a calculated move to integrate fresh faces into the squad. “This series is a chance for these young players to prove themselves on the international stage,” Hesson said. The selected team includes six uncapped players, among them Abdur Rehman, Majid Sadiq, Mohammad Gazi Ghory, Saad Masud, Sahibzada Farhan, and Shamim Hussain. Farhan, who made a significant impact in the T20 World Cup by scoring a century against Sri Lanka, has been included in the ODI squad. Hesson praised his performance, stating, “Farhan’s T20 exploits have earned him a spot in the ODI team.” Similarly, Hussain and Sadiq, who have shown promise in domestic and junior circuits, are also part of the squad. The three-match ODI series against Bangladesh will commence on March 11 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Pakistan’s squad includes Shahid Afridi (captain), Abid Ali, Fazal Haq, Faizal Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jr., Gazi Ghory (wicketkeeper), Saad Masud, Farhan, Salman Ali Agar, and Shamim Hussain. The selection highlights Pakistan’s focus on balancing experience with youth, as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.#pakistan #t20_world_cup #babar_azam #mike_hesson #sher_e_bangla_national_stadium
Mike Hesson Pakistan coach breaks silence on Babar Azam exclusion after World Cup disaster Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has clarified that the absence of several senior players from the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh is not a punishment but a strategic decision to give emerging talent a chance to prove themselves. The team’s disappointing performance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated before the knockout stage, led to the exclusion of experienced players like Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, and Naseem Shah from the squad for the three-match series. Hesson emphasized that the move was about experimentation and preparing for the next ODI World Cup, which will be held in the near future. Hesson stated, “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.” He explained that Pakistan has had limited opportunities to assess new talent in the 50-over format, and the Bangladesh tour offers a timely platform. Players like Sahabzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, and Maaz Sadaqat have shown strong performances in domestic cricket and junior sides, making them viable options for the squad. Hesson also noted that Bangladesh’s increased focus on one-day cricket makes the series a significant challenge, further justifying the decision to test younger players. Tensions within Pakistan’s cricket setup have also surfaced. Former Test pacer Sikander Bakht revealed that disagreements arose between Hesson and members of the selection panel regarding squad decisions during the World Cup. Bakht claimed that Hesson often overruled the selectors, with former international umpire Aleem Dar stepping down from his role amid dissatisfaction with the coach’s involvement in selection matters.#babar_azam #naseem_shah #mike_hesson #saim_ayub #sikander_bakht
