BAN vs PAK: Pakistan set to hand debut to 3 players in ODIs after dropping Babar Azam; Know here
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Shaheen Afridi will lead fresh-look Pakistan ODI squad in three-match BAN vs PAK series.
Pakistan take on Bangladesh in a three match ODI series, starting March 11. After a disappointing performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh will be a fresh start for Shaheen Afridi’s men in white ball cricket.
Pakistan have been on a good run in ODIs after series victories against South Africa and Sri Lanka prior to the T20 World Cup. In awe of the upcoming series, Pakistan have reshuffled their squad with some of the biggest names left out including Babar Azam. They have handed opportunities to fresh talent in the ODI team setup after their consistent performances in domestic circuit.
Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat and Shamyl Hussain set for ODI debuts in first BAN vs PAK ODI
Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi confirmed that three players will be making their debut in the 50-over format against Bangladesh in the first ODI match at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday. Sahibzada Farhan, who was in excellent form in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026 and scored a record 383 runs in just seven matches, will be handed the cap.
Apart from Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat and Shamyl Hussain, will be playing the first match for the team in the ODIs. Afridi insisted that they expect a tough competition from Bangladesh as they prepare for the ICC World Cup 2027.
“There will be like three debuts,of course. Sahibzada is the top performer in T20s and also in List ‘A’ cricket for Pakistan. Maaz Sadaqat will open, and Shamyl Hussain will play at one down. These three will make their debut. Hopefully, they will play their own game and show their skills,” Afridi said in the pre-match press conference.
“We are excited to see them play for Pakistan, not just for one series but with the future in mind. They have experience playing here. They have played the Bangladesh league here. Sahibzada and Maaz have played here, and a few others were also involved last year. They are familiar with the grounds and conditions, and I hope they will play their best cricket,” he added.
Pakistan have left out big players like Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub from the ODI squad for this particular series. PCB President Naqvi was reportedly disappointed following Pakistan’s dismal T20 World Cup campaign.
When does the Pakistan vs Bangladesh ODI series begin?
The three-match ODI series starts on March 11 in Dhaka.
Which three players will make their ODI debut for Pakistan in the first match?
Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat and Shamyl Hussain will make their ODI debuts.
Who will lead Pakistan in the ODI series against Bangladesh?
Shaheen Shah Afridi will be leading the team in ODI series.
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Vishwajit Sawant is a sports content writer with two years of experience who believes in writing that feels honest, simple, and easy to read. He enjoys breaking down sporting moments into stories readers can genuinely connect with, without relying on fancy vocabulary. His work spans cricket, football, basketball, tennis, and Formula 1, with a focus on match previews, reviews, and reports. Vishwajit believes good content doesn’t need to be loud — it just needs to leave a subtle impact.