The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, scheduled to take place in Dhaka from March 11 to 15. Notably, former captain Babar Azam and all-rounder Syed Saif Ali Ayub were left out of the squad, sparking discussions among cricket fans and analysts.
Match Schedule and Venue
All three ODIs will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The first match starts on March 11, followed by the second and third matches on March 13 and March 15, respectively. Observers have noted the surprising omission of Babar Azam, a consistently effective player in the ODI format, especially on this type of wicket.
Leadership and New Faces
The team will be led by left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi. Six uncapped players have been included in the squad, reflecting PCB’s emphasis on nurturing fresh talent: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadakat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, and Shamil Hossain. Among them, Samad, Sadakat, Masood, and Shamil recently represented the Pakistan Shaheens against the England Lions in Abu Dhabi.
Experienced Players
The squad also features experienced cricketers including wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Fahim Ashraf, Hussein Talat, and Salman Ali Aga. The spin department comprises Abrar Ahmed and Faisal Akram.
Pakistan’s 15-Member ODI Squad for Bangladesh Tour
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Shaheen Shah Afridi (Captain)
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Abdul Samad
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Abrar Ahmed
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Fahim Ashraf
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Faisal Akram
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Haris Rauf
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Hussein Talat
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Maaz Sadakat
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Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper)
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Mohammad Wasim Jr.
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Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (Wicketkeeper)
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Sad Masood
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Sahibzada Farhan
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Salman Ali Aga
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Shamil Hossain
The selection reflects a mix of youth and experience, aiming to combine fresh energy with proven performers for a competitive series in Bangladesh.
