Bangladesh host Pakistan in ODI series opener as both sides look to build for 2027 World Cup
New-look squads on both sides
Pakistan have made sweeping changes for this tour. Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, and Saim Ayub have all been left out of the 15-man squad, a clear signal that the selectors are looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup cycle. Six uncapped players have been included, among them Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, and wicketkeeper Muhammad Ghazi Ghori.
Shaheen Shah Afridi captains a Pakistan side that retains Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps and Haris Rauf as the pace spearhead. Salman Ali Agha and Faheem Ashraf provide experience in the middle order. The balance of the squad suggests Pakistan want to test new players in match conditions rather than prioritise results on this tour.
Bangladesh back Mehidy as captain
Bangladesh have named Mehidy Hasan Miraz as their ODI captain for the series. His squad includes the experienced Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mustafizur Rahman, and Taskin Ahmed, giving the hosts a settled core around which younger players can develop.
Soumya Sarkar returns to the squad alongside Tanzid Hasan at the top of the order, while Rishad Hossain offers a leg-spin option that could trouble Pakistan's batters on a Dhaka surface expected to offer turn as the match progresses.
What to watch for
The headline story is Babar's absence. Since his ODI debut in 2015, Pakistan's 50-over plans have revolved around him. Leaving him out for this series allows the management to see what the squad looks like without their most reliable run-scorer, and whether players like Sahibzada Farhan and Hussain Talat can step into the top order.
For Bangladesh, home conditions are their biggest advantage. They have been competitive in Dhaka across formats and will fancy their chances against a Pakistan side still finding its feet under new leadership. The first ODI starts at 2:15 PM local time at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
