Babar Azam could return as Pakistan’s ODI captain: sources

Babar Azam is under consideration to lead Pakistan in the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh, which is set to begin on March 11. Babar, who last captained the one-day team during the 2023 ODI World Cup, would replace Salman Ali Agha as the format’s captain, sources suggest.

Sweeping changes to team

Reports of his captaincy comeback are resurfacing alongside suggestions that the board might bench Babar, along with several other senior players, to give youngsters a chance as they prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Amid the uncertainty, the only thing that remains confirmed is that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is eyeing sweeping changes in the side after their early exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup. In an unprecedented move, the board has fined each player PKR 5 million for their underwhelming performance in the tournament.

Pakistan’s woes continue

The tournament was the side’s fourth consecutive ICC event in which they crashed out before reaching the semi-finals. The last time Pakistan reached the knockouts in an ICC tournament was in the 2022 T20 World Cup, when Babar captained the side to the final, where they eventually lost.

Despite his poor form across formats, ODIs remain Babar’s strongest suit. He scored an unbeaten century against Sri Lanka in November, his first in any format since August 2023.

 

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