Pakistan cricket is back in its full drama mode. The decision to drop Babar Azam from the ODI squad for the Bangladesh tour has shocked Pakistani fans and left former stars fuming, with everyone questioning the decision of the Mohsin Naqvi-headed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
After a disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, where Pakistan crashed out at the Super 8 stage, the PCB selectors made one of the biggest names of Pakistan cricket their scapegoat.
Babar Azam was surprisingly dropped from Pakistan’s ODI team
Mohsin Khan and the selectors have dropped Babar Azam from the ODI squad after poor performances in recent months. In the T20 World Cup 2026, the former captain has been able to score only 91 runs in four matches at an average of 22.75 and a strike rate of 111.
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His ODI figures in 2025 were also not very impressive. In 17 innings, the right-handed batsman scored 544 runs at an average of 34, and his strike rate was less than 80, which raised serious concerns in modern cricket, where scoring runs quickly is very important.
The selectors have now decided to move in a completely new direction. The PCB has selected six new players for the upcoming Bangladesh tour, which include Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamil Hossain.
‘Mind-shattering decision’: Mohammad Yousuf criticizes Mohsin Naqvi
This clearly shows that the PCB wants to rebuild and prepare for the future, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. But this bold move did not go down well with many former cricketers including Mohammad Yousuf and Mohammad Aamir.
Former Pakistan captain and coach Mohammad Yousuf criticized Naqvi and the selectors. He believes that there is no point in dropping Babar at this stage and questions the thinking behind such a big decision.
Yusuf posted on X (formerly Twitter): “[Babar Azam’s] include in [T20 World Cup] Was surprising, but now his exclusion, if it is not just a matter of rest, is mind boggling. Who is taking these foolish decisions?”
#babarazamis comprised of #T20WorldCup Was surprising, but now his exclusion, if it is not just a matter of rest, is mind boggling. Who is taking these absurd decisions?
– Mohammed Yousaf (@yousaf1788) 4 March 2026
Was Babar Azam dropped or rested? Mohammad Aamir demands clear answers
Former fast bowler Mohammad Aamir also expressed serious doubts. He sought clarity on whether Babar was being rested or removed completely.
The former Pakistani star also said that if Pakistan is already planning for the 2027 World Cup, the board should say so clearly instead of creating confusion.
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Mohammad Amir said in Geo News show Harna Mana Hai, “You dropped Babar, or you rested him. So which ODI matches or tournaments will he play to get back into the team? That’s my question. If the plan is that these new players will play because there are eight months left for the 2027 ODI World Cup, then it should be clearly stated. If after dropping Babar they fail in these two series, will they still be part of the team when the World Cup is played?” Is the cup happening? The situation should be appropriate.” Clarity.”
Ahmed Shehzad criticized the dismissal of Babar Azam, sought answers from PCB
Even Ahmed Shehzad jumped into this debate. He highlighted that Babar has millions of fans across the world who deserve a proper explanation for the move.
Ahmed Shehzad said during the same discussion, “Babar Azam has fans all over the world. He needs clarity. Did he give them that much clarity before taking this decision? Well, he did not perform well. Then tell the public clearly that these were the reasons due to which Pakistan suffered loss and he had a major role in it. If the board wants to take such action in all formats, then they should say it openly. Otherwise, he does not deserve this treatment.”
M Aamir and A Shehzad are openly speaking for Babar Azam and his fans
– Aamir Have you removed them or rested them? Give them clarity, give their fans clarity
– Shahzad Babar is your best ODI batsman, how can you leave him out of T20 performance?pic.twitter.com/Agz4YzKA8j
– SherAli (@Sher__Ali) 4 March 2026
