LAHORE: Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh (March 11–15 at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka) is expected to feature significant changes, with sources indicating that Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz are likely to be dropped.
Despite the shake-up, several senior players will retain their places, ensuring continuity in Pakistan’s ODI setup. These include Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah. Their inclusion signals that the selectors are keen to maintain a strong backbone while experimenting with new options. In place of Saim Ayub, Shamil Hussain is expected to be given an opportunity, marking a potential debut in the ODI format. This move reflects the management’s intent to evaluate fresh talent and balance the squad more effectively.
However, eyebrows have been raised over the reported exclusion of Sufyan Muqeem, who finished as the leading wicket-taker in the President’s Cup. Despite his standout domestic performance, he has not been considered for selection, sparking debate among fans and analysts about whether Pakistan is overlooking in-form players.
