Team selections always spark debate and Pakistan’s latest squad announcement is no different. Pakistan men’s head coach Mike Hesson addressed the buzz on Monday (March 9) after several big names were left out of the ODI squad for the upcoming Bangladesh series. The biggest talking point was the absence of former captain Babar Azam but Mike Hesson made it clear that no player had been “dropped” in the traditional sense.
According to him, the changes were made to create space for promising players who have earned opportunities through strong performances.
Along with Babar Azam, Pakistan will also be without all-rounder Saim Ayub, injured opener Fakhar Zaman, Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Nawaz and fast bowler Naseem Shah.
In their place, six uncapped players have been drafted into the squad – Sahibzada Farhan, Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood and Shamyl Hussain.
The timing of the overhaul raised eyebrows. Babar Azam and Saim Ayub struggled for form during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, while Sahibzada Farhan emerged as Pakistan’s brightest star. Sahibzada Farhan piled up 383 runs, the highest ever by a batter in a single edition of the tournament, making his selection impossible to ignore.
Pakistan’s World Cup journey ended in heartbreak. They narrowly missed a semi-final spot after losing out to New Zealand on net run rate. While the team showed flashes of quality, they couldn’t overcome stronger sides like England and India in crucial matches.
Speaking at a press conference, Mike Hesson explained that the Bangladesh series is being treated as a platform to test fresh talent. In simple terms, he said that the management wants to reward in-form players and give youngsters a chance to prove themselves at the international level.
He pointed out that Sahibzada Farhan earned his place through exceptional T20 performances, while youngsters like Shamyl Hussain and Maaz Sadaqat impressed in domestic and junior cricket. Mike Hesson also cautioned that Bangladesh would be tough opponents because they’ve been playing more ODI cricket recently, making the series a strong learning opportunity for the newcomers.
Despite the clarification, pressure continues to mount on the coach. Reports suggest the Pakistan Cricket Board has not restricted Mike Hesson or captain Salman Agha in selection matters. However, several former cricketers and media voices have questioned the level of control Mike Hesson holds over team decisions.
For now, Pakistan appears set on a youth-driven reset, a bold move that could shape the team’s future.
