Pakistan national cricket team white-ball head coach Mike Hesson said the absence of several senior players from the squad for the upcoming ODI series against the Bangladesh national cricket team should not be seen as punishment for their performances in the recently concluded ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan was eliminated before the knockout stage of the tournament, which was won by the India national cricket team in Ahmedabad. Following the team’s early exit, selectors left out several experienced players, including Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Naseem Shah, from the squad for the three-match ODI series in Bangladesh.

Hesson said the decision was intended to create opportunities for emerging players rather than dropping established names. “I wouldn’t say anyone was dropped,” Hesson said. “We see this series as an opportunity to give some promising players a chance to prove themselves.”

Babar’s omission comes after a disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup, where he scored 91 runs in four matches. The top-order batter also endured a difficult run in ODIs in 2025, scoring 544 runs in 17 innings at an average of 34.

The former New Zealand national cricket team coach said Pakistan has had limited opportunities to test new players in the 50-over format and the Bangladesh tour provides a valuable platform, especially with the next ODI World Cup approaching.

Hesson added that Sahibzada Farhan earned his place in the ODI squad after impressive performances in T20 cricket, while young players Shamyl Hussain and Maaz Sadaqat were rewarded for strong displays in domestic and junior-level cricket.

“The series will not be easy as Bangladesh have been playing a lot more one-day cricket than us,” Hesson said. “But I see this series as a big opportunity for these new players.”

Pakistan will play a three-match ODI series in Dhaka from March 11 to March 15 at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the side. The squad also features six uncapped players as Pakistan looks to test new talent ahead of future international competitions.

Pakistan Squad: Shaheen Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha, Shamyl Hussain.

ODI series schedule

• March 11: First ODI – Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka

• March 13: Second ODI – Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka

• March 15: Third ODI – Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka