Will Babar Azam play today in BAN vs PAK first ODI?
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Babar Azam had a difficult time with the bat in T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistan’s long-awaited return to 50-over cricket in Bangladesh will begin today as the Men in Green take the field at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur in the first ODI of three-match series. It will be a fresh start for Pakistan as the team is in transition and will see quite a few young guns.
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead a squad that will feature six players who are yet to make their ODI debuts. This is part of Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) strategy to focus on rebuilding for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. The Men in Green will take the field for the first time following a disappointing T20 World Cup 2026, in which they were eliminated in the Super 8s.
Sahibzada Farhan is one of the newcomers after having a sensational run in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he was the leading run-getter. He also hit two centuries against Namibia and Sri Lanka, becoming the first batter in history of the tournament to ht two tons in single edition. Maaz Sadaqat and Shamyl Hussain are on the verge of getting their first ODI caps today, with Farhan and Sadaqat likely to open the batting and Hussain coming in at no. 3.
Will Babar Azam play first BAN vs PAK ODI in Dhaka?
No. Babar Azam has not been selected for this three-match ODI series against Bangladesh. The former captain, who just managed just 91 runs in T20 World Cup with a best of 46 against the USA, has been left out entirely as selectors have opted to hand younger players their opportunity.
However, both head coach Mike Hesson and skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi think otherwise.
“I wouldn’t say anyone was dropped. We just see this series as an opportunity to give these promising players a chance to prove themselves,” Hesson said.
Afridi shared similar sentiments before the series opener.
“Look, no one was dropped for this series. We just want to give an opportunity for our youngsters. They are also our future. You want to give an opportunity against Bangladesh. I think when the time comes, they will also know their role and what’s coming in future. We just need to prepare our team for the World Cup. It is an opportunity for the youngsters to show their skills.”
Babar Azam getting dropped in ODIs came as a surprise as he has been the best batter for the side in the tournament. He will now be keen to make an impact in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 and reclaim his spot back in the side.
Who will captain Pakistan in the ODI series against Bangladesh?
Shaheen Shah Afridi will captain Pakistan against Bangladesh.
Where can we see Babar Azam playing next?
Babar Azam will next be seen on a cricket field at PSL 2026, which gets underway on March 26.
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Ajay Gandhar has been part of Khel Now since 2023 and has expertise across a wide range of Olympic sports. While his coverage spans the Olympic spectrum, he is passionate about Badminton, Tennis, Football, and Track and Field. Beyond his primary focus areas, Ajay is also an avid kabaddi enthusiast and closely follows the sport.