Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has clarified that former captain Babar Azam has not been permanently dropped from the national team, stressing that the current selection strategy is aimed at giving opportunities to emerging players. His comments come after Pakistan announced a new-look squad that excluded several senior players for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh, sparking debate among fans and former cricketers.
Shaheen Explains Babar’s Absence
Speaking about the controversial decision, Shaheen Afridi said the move should not be viewed as the end of Babar Azam’s international career. Instead, it is part of an effort to provide chances to younger players and strengthen the team’s bench strength.
Shaheen emphasized that Babar remains a key figure in Pakistan cricket and continues to be a world-class player. He said the team must support young players when they get opportunities, rather than criticize them early in their careers.
According to reports, Shaheen said Babar Azam has not been dropped permanently and the management simply wants to test new players in the squad.
The comments aim to calm concerns among fans who questioned the decision to leave out one of Pakistan’s most successful modern batters.
🗣️ Pakistan captain @iShaheenAfridi‘s press conference before the ODI series vs Bangladesh 🏏#BANvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/9mnrkjp02I
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 10, 2026
Pakistan Introduces New Faces in Squad
Pakistan’s squad for the Bangladesh ODI series reflects a clear shift toward youth development. The team will be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and includes several uncapped players such as Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain.
These players impressed selectors during domestic competitions and Pakistan Shaheens matches, including fixtures against the England Lions in Abu Dhabi.
The Bangladesh series is scheduled to take place in Dhaka, with matches planned at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The tour is expected to give selectors a chance to evaluate emerging talent ahead of future international tournaments.
Babar Azam’s Legacy and Achievements
Despite his current absence from the squad, Babar Azam remains one of Pakistan’s most accomplished batters. Since making his international debut in 2015, he has built an impressive record across formats.
Babar has scored more than 6,500 runs in One Day Internationals and registered 20 centuries, making him one of Pakistan’s most consistent performers in modern cricket.
He has also achieved several milestones in T20 internationals. In 2025, Babar became the highest run-scorer in T20 international cricket, surpassing India’s Rohit Sharma while also breaking records for the most 50-plus scores in the format.
Such achievements underline his importance to Pakistan cricket even during periods when selectors experiment with new players.
Debate Among Fans and Experts
Babar’s absence has triggered widespread debate across Pakistan’s cricket community. Some former players believe the team management should have retained experienced players alongside newcomers to maintain balance in the squad.
Others, however, see the decision as part of a long-term strategy aimed at building depth ahead of major tournaments, including the next ODI World Cup.
For now, the Bangladesh series will serve as a testing ground for Pakistan’s new combination. The performances of young players could influence future selections and determine how quickly senior stars like Babar return to the playing eleven.
