Pakistan named a revamped ODI squad for Bangladesh, with saad masood included as former captain Mohammad Rizwan publicly backed wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghouri amid criticism of his selection.
Rizwan Backs Ghazi Ghouri After Selection Scrutiny
Speaking with reporters in Karachi on Saturday during the national team’s training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre, Rizwan endorsed Ghouri’s call-up and urged patience as the squad evolves.
“Ghazi has come into the team on the basis of performance. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, ” Rizwan told reporters. “Right now, Ghazi is in the squad, but if you look at the past, many wicketkeepers have been performing. It’s good if more keepers come through the system because Pakistan might finally find what it has been searching for. ”
Ghouri’s selection has drawn scrutiny because his List A returns so far stand at 206 runs in 17 matches, at an average of 20. 60 and a strike rate of 79. 53. Rizwan’s remarks underscore the team’s willingness to assess emerging options behind the stumps despite external criticism.
Saad Masood Included As Pakistan Revamps ODI Squad
The away one-day series arrives after Pakistan swept Sri Lanka 3-0 at home in November last year, yet the selectors have overhauled the group. Senior players Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haseebullah, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah and Saim Ayub have been left out. They are replaced by six uncapped players, including Ghouri. The 15 also features saad masood.
The full squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha and Shamyl Hussain.
Dates And Venue For The Bangladesh Series
Pakistan’s first international assignment since the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 setback will be a three-match ODI series in Bangladesh. All games are scheduled for the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on March 11, 13 and 15.
With a refreshed lineup and Rizwan’s public support for Ghouri’s inclusion, Pakistan enters Mirpur looking to balance short-term results with the search for longer-term solutions in key roles.
