BAN vs PAK: Why did Babar Azam & Fakhar Zaman miss 1st ODI?

Babar Azam failed to perform well in the T20 World Cup 2026.

Bangladesh and Pakistan (BAN vs PAK) are locking horns at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur in the first ODI of a three-match series. In a shocking turnaround, some of Pakistan’s biggest cricketing names, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, are not playing in the first ODI.

Pakistan returned to 50-over cricket with a tour of Bangladesh. The series is of utter importance after Bangladesh missed out on the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India & Sri Lanka.

Pakistan are looking to make a positive comeback after a disappointing World Cup performance and have made major changes to their ODI squad for this series.

Babar Azam dropped, Fakhar Zaman injured

Pakistan have dropped Babar Azam from their squad for the three-match series against Bangladesh as they look to rebuild their team ahead of next year’s 50-over World Cup.

Babar struggled in the T20 World Cup 2026 after managing only 91 runs throughout the tournament. On the other hand, Fakhar Zaman is currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

Pakistan have picked a completely new squad for this series, leaving out many known faces. Babar and Fakhar are not the only known faces missing from this squad; all-rounder Saim Ayub, wicket-keeper batter Haseebullah, spinner Mohammad Nawaz, and fast bowler Naseem Shah are also not part of this series.

Responding to these developments, Hesson said these decisions are part of a wider effort to test bench strength rather than drop any particular player from contention. Pakistan did not often get opportunities to try out new talent in international cricket due to the constant preparations for major tournaments.

“I don’t think anyone was dropped. I think, as I said, it’s a great opportunity for us to look at some younger talent,” Hesson said in the pre-match press conference.

In their place, Sahibzada Farhan, Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, and Shamyl Hussain have been included in the squad.

PCB President Mohsin Naqvi is reportedly looking to provide a platform for the young players in the Pakistan domestic circuit, a route to the national team setup.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.