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
