Shaheen to Lead New-Look Pakistan in Dhaka
News Desk
Islamabad: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted for a bold mix of youth and experience as it announced a revamped 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh national cricket team, scheduled from March 11 to 15 in Dhaka.
In a clear signal toward building bench strength ahead of a packed international calendar, the selectors have handed opportunities to six uncapped players, marking a significant transition phase in Pakistan’s 50-over setup.
Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to marshal the side, underlining the board’s confidence in his leadership. The series will be played entirely at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, a venue known for its spin-friendly conditions and challenging atmosphere for visiting teams.
The newcomers, Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain, represent a fresh wave of talent being groomed at the domestic and ‘A’ team levels.
Four of them, Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood and Shamyl Hussain, recently featured for Pakistan Shaheens against England Lions in Abu Dhabi, where they gained valuable exposure in competitive conditions.
The squad also retains experienced campaigners including Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Faheem Ashraf and Salman Ali Agha, ensuring balance alongside the emerging players.
Pakistan ODI squad:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha and Shamyl Hussain.
The Bangladesh tour is expected to test Pakistan’s new-look combination while offering a platform for fresh faces to stake their claim in international cricket.