Pakistan’s former fast bowler, Mohammad Amir, has expressed dissatisfaction over the squad selection for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh. In an interview, Amir questioned the selectors’ decision to exclude Babar Azam and Shahnawaz Dhani from the team, stating that it is unclear whether they were dropped based on their performance or given a break.
Amir asked, “What if Babar and Shahnawaz were dropped based on their performance? Where will they play ODI cricket to regain their form?” He also questioned the selectors’ decision to not provide a clear explanation for the duo’s exclusion from the team.
Babar Azam, who failed to live up to expectations in the T20 World Cup, has been left out of the ODI squad. Amir stated that it is essential to clarify whether the players selected for the Bangladesh series will be part of the World Cup team or not, given that there are about 8 months left for the tournament.
Former Pakistani batsman, Ahmed Shehzad, also questioned the selectors’ decision, asking if Babar Azam was given a chance to regain confidence before being dropped from the team. Shehzad stated that if Babar had failed to perform, it should have been clarified that he was dropped due to his poor performance, rather than being given a break.
However, Shehzad also expressed his opinion that Babar Azam is still one of the best batsmen in Pakistan and that the team needs him. The ODI series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will take place in Dhaka from March 11 to 15.
The controversy arose when the PCB announced a 15-member squad for the 3-match ODI series against Bangladesh, excluding Babar Azam and Shahnawaz Dhani without providing a clear explanation. The squad includes 6 new players who will be playing their first ODI matches.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan women’s hockey team has qualified for the World Cup 2026, and the team will return home after a successful tour of Australia. However, the team’s return has been delayed due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which has led to the postponement of the white-ball series against Sri Lanka.
In other news, former Australian cricketer has responded to Mohammad Amir’s comments, stating that he had earned his place in the team based on his performance, not just his fielding skills. The article also reports on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which has affected the Pakistan cricket team’s tour of the region.
In a separate development, the ICC has announced that the T20 World Cup final will be preceded by a closing ceremony. The Pakistan Shaheens are set to return home after a successful tour of Dubai, with Salman Liaquat joining the team as a security officer. Babar Azam has been included in the Lahore Whites squad, while Pakistani players have been fined for their behavior in the T20 World Cup.
The article also reports on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has led to the postponement of the UAE-India cricket series. The Emirates has announced that it has shot down 15 ballistic missiles and 119 drones, while the Iranian military has stated that it will not attack any country that does not allow the US to use its airspace for attacks on Iran.
