Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has suggested Test skipper Shan Masood and batter Abdullah Shafique as possible replacements for Babar Azam in Pakistan’s One Day Internationals (ODI) batting order if the star batter is unavailable.
Mohammad Hafeez shared his views on the social media platform X, discussing potential options for the important number three position in ODI should Babar miss matches due to injury or rest.
Looking ahead to future international assignments, including the next ODI World Cup in South Africa, Hafeez said Pakistan should start considering alternative options for the role.
“Shaan Masood (53 Ave) or Abdullah Shafiq could be better option as no3 batter in ODI format if Babar Azam is injured or rested for some reasons. Considering next World Cup in South Africa,” Hafeez wrote.
While Masood’s record in ODIs is limited, he has played nine matches, scoring 163 runs at an average of 18.11, including one half-century.
However, his List A record is significantly stronger. In 142 matches, the left-handed batter has scored 6,413 runs at an average of 53, with 39 fifties and 17 centuries.
Meanwhile, Abdullah Shafique has played 27 ODIs for Pakistan, scoring 737 runs at an average of 29.48, which includes six half-centuries and one century.
In related developments, the Pakistan men’s selection committee has formally asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to conduct an inquiry into injuries sustained by senior batters Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, according to committee member Aaqib Javed.
Pakistan, the 2009 champions, failed to reach the semi-finals of the tournament and recently played a three-match ODI series away from home against Bangladesh, which Bangladesh won 2–1.
For the series, the team management rested six key players, including Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman.
Their absence, despite recent performances in the longer format, drew criticism from fans who accused the selection committee of mismanagement and mixing formats.
However, speaking to the media at Gaddafi Stadium alongside fellow selectors Sarfaraz Ahmed, Asad Shafiq, and Misbah-ul-Haq, Aaqib Javed clarified that the two batters were not considered for the series due to fitness concerns.
He said both Babar and Fakhar had been carrying injuries since the T20 World Cup 2024, and the selection committee had not been fully informed about their physical condition.
As a result, the committee has asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to investigate the matter.
Javed also addressed the squad selected for the Bangladesh ODI series, which included six uncapped players. He explained that the decision to field a younger team had been made before the T20 World Cup 2026, with the aim of giving emerging players international exposure during the tour.
