As a former captain, Pakistan’s ODI team may soon see a change in the batting order. Mohammad Hafeez proposed two possible replacements for Babar Azam Important number 3 position. Hafeez’s comments come in the wake of Babar’s poor form in the 50-over format, due to which he was dropped from the ODI team during the recent Pakistan tour. bangladesh.
Pakistan suffered a 2–1 series defeat in the three-match ODI contest, and Babar’s absence reignited discussions about the stability of the team’s middle order. Amid the debate, Hafeez suggested that the team management should start exploring alternative options before the next major ICC event.
Mohammad Hafeez names 2 players as replacements for Babar Azam in ODIs
Hafeez took name on social media Shan Masood And Abdullah Shafiq If Babar is unavailable due to injury, rest or form then two players are capable of playing the No. 3 role in ODIs. According to Hafeez, Pakistan should think proactively about their batting combination keeping in mind the long-term goals, especially the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 in South Africa.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Hafeez wrote that Masood, who boasts an impressive List A average of above 50, could be a strong candidate for the post. He also mentioned Shafiq as another technically strong batsman who could step into the role if the team decides to move on from Babar temporarily.
“If Babar Azam gets injured or rests for some reasons then Shan Masood (53 Ave) or Abdullah Shafiq could be better options as the No. 3 batsman in the ODI format. Keeping in mind the next World Cup in South Africa.” Hafiz wrote on X.
Babar’s decline in ODI form raises concerns
Babar has long been considered Pakistan’s premier batsman in limited overs cricket, but his recent statistics in ODIs have raised concerns among fans and analysts. The right-handed batsman, once ranked among the world’s top ODI batsmen, has struggled to maintain the high standards he set earlier in his career.
However, Babar finally ended the long international century drought by scoring a century. Sri Lanka In November 2025, his overall performance in recent ODI innings has been below expectations. In his last 30 ODI innings, he has averaged around 35 with a strike rate of 78.55 – a figure lower than his excellent career average of 53.73. Such numbers have inevitably started a debate on whether Pakistan should experiment with new players in key batting positions.
