Pakistan’s ODI team may soon witness a change in batting order like the former captain Muhammad Hafiz suggested two potential replacements for Babar Azam in the decisive 3rd position. Hafiz’s comments came in the wake of Babar’s poor form in the 50-over format, which recently led to his exclusion from Pakistan’s ODI squad during their tour. Bangladesh.
Pakistan slumped to a 2-1 series defeat in the three-match ODI contest and Babar’s absence reignited the debate surrounding the team’s middle-order stability. During the discussions, Hafeez suggested the team management to start exploring alternative options before the next big ICC event.
Mohammad Hafeez names 2 picks to replace Babar Azam in ODIs
He mentioned Hafeez on social media Shan Massoud and Abdullah Shafiq As two players who can fill the No. 3 role in ODIs if Babar is unavailable due to injury, rest or form. According to Hafiz, Pakistan should actively think about its long-term goals, especially the batting combination with the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup scheduled to be held in South Africa.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Hafeez wrote that Masud, who has an impressive List A average of over 50, could be a strong candidate for the job. He also mentioned Shafiq as another technically sound prospect who could fill the role if the team decides to move on from Babar temporarily.
“If Babar Azam gets injured or rests for some reasons, Shaan Masood (53 Ave) or Abdullah Shafiq might be better options in ODI format. Considering the next World Cup in South Africa,” Hafeez wrote in X.
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Babar’s fall into ODI form is a concern
Babar has long been regarded as Pakistan’s best player in limited-overs cricket, but his recent numbers in ODIs have raised concerns among fans and analysts. Once ranked among the best ODI batsmen in the world, the right-hander has struggled to maintain the high standards he set earlier in his career.
Although Babar finally ended the drought of hundreds of international centuries Sri Lanka In November 2025, his overall performance in recent ODI innings has been below expectations. In his last 30 ODI innings, he has amassed close to 35 at a strike rate of 78.55 – figures well behind his outstanding career average of 53.73. Such numbers have inevitably led to controversy over Pakistan experimenting with new players in key batting positions.
