Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has suggested two players who could replace Babar Azam in Pakistan’s ODI batting lineup if the star batter is unavailable.
Posting on the social media platform X, Hafeez said that Shan Masood or Abdullah Shafique could be good options for the important number three position in One Day Internationals (ODI) matches.
Looking ahead to the future international world cup, will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Muhammad Hafeez considering alternative options in the place of Babar Azam.
Although Masood has limited experience in ODIs, he played only nine matches and scored 163 runs at an average of 18.11, including one half-century. However, his domestic List A record is insane. In 142 matches, the left-handed batter has scored 6,413 runs at an average of 53, with 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries.
Meanwhile, Abdullah Shafique has already played 27 ODIs for Pakistan. The right-handed batter has scored 737 runs at an average of 29.48, including one century and six half-centuries.
The discussion comes at a time when Pakistan’s ODI squad has been under scrutiny after recent team selections. Senior players, including Babar Azam, were not included in the squad for the ODI series against Bangladesh as the team management decided to test new players and build bench strength.
Pakistan recently lost a three-match ODI series against Bangladesh 2–1. The team management rested several senior players, including Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, which led to criticism from fans and former players.
According to officials, both Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman had been facing fitness concerns since the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, and the selectors were not fully informed about their physical condition earlier.
As a result, the Pakistan selection committee has asked the Pakistan Cricket Board to investigate how the injuries were managed and communicated to the selectors.
