KARACHI: Former Pakistan cricket captain Mohammad Hafeez has suggested Test captain Shaun Masood and Abdullah Shafiq as replacements for premier batsman Babar Azam in ODIs.
The former all-rounder took to social media platform X to share his thoughts on Pakistan’s batting options for the crucial third position in one-day internationals, especially if Babur is sidelined due to injury or rest.
Eyeing future assignments, including the upcoming ODI World Cup in South Africa, Hafeez suggested that the team management should now consider replacement batsmen.
“Shaun Masood (53 Ave) or Abdullah Shafiq could be the best option in ODI form if Babar Azam gets injured or rested for some reason. Considering the next World Cup in South Africa,” Hafeez wrote.
It is pertinent to note that Masood’s record in 50-over internationals to date has been modest; He has played nine ODIs and scored 163 runs at an average of 18.11, including one half-century.
However, his List A stats are quite impressive. In 142 matches, the left-hander has amassed 6,413 runs at an average of 53 including 39 fifties and 17 centuries.
Meanwhile, Abdullah Shafiq has played 27 ODIs for Pakistan and amassed 737 runs at an average of 29.48, with six fifties and a century to his name.
In related news, the Pakistan Men’s Selection Committee has formally requested the Pakistan Cricket Board to investigate the injuries suffered by senior batsmen Babar Azam and Faqar Zaman during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, according to panel member Akib Javed.
The 2009 champions, who failed to make it to the semi-finals of the tournament, are currently away on a three-match ODI series.
For the task, the team rested six key players, including senior batting duo Babar and Fakhar.
Despite recent performances in the long format, their exclusion drew heavy criticism from fans who accused the selection committee of mismanagement and “mixing of formats”.
However, Javed, who spoke to the media at the Gaddafi Stadium along with fellow selectors Sarfaraz Ahmed, Asad Shafiq and Misbah-ul-Haq, clarified that the pair were not considered for the ongoing series due to fitness concerns.
He revealed that both Babar and Fakhar were carrying injuries from the 2024 T20 World Cup and the selection committee was not fully informed about their fitness.
Following this, Javed said the team has asked the PCB to investigate the matter.
Returning to the current squad for the series against Bangladesh, Javed explained that the decision to field a youth team was made with a view to showcasing emerging talent on the tour ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
comments