Pakistan’s recent ODI series defeat to Bangladesh has triggered sharp reactions from former cricketers and raised questions about team selection and performance. Bangladesh won the three-match series 2–1 after defeating Pakistan by 11 runs in the deciding third ODI in Dhaka.
The series was played as part of Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh in the 2025–26 international cricket season, with all three ODIs held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz led the hosts, while Pakistan’s ODI side was captained by Shaheen Shah Afridi.
In the series decider, Bangladesh posted 290 for 5 in 50 overs after being put in to bat at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. In response, Pakistan’s chase saw several starts but lacked sustained partnerships. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 279 in 50 overs, falling 11 runs short of the target.
With the victory in the third ODI, Bangladesh sealed the three-match series 2–1, completing a notable series win over Pakistan on home soil.
The defeat came after Pakistan made several changes to its squad for the Bangladesh tour. Key players, including Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, were not part of the ODI squad, with selectors opting to introduce younger and less experienced players.
The decision to leave out senior players became one of the major talking points after the series defeat.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi criticised the selectors for making drastic changes to the squad, describing the move as unnecessary. Afridi said the selectors had carried out team changes “in the name of surgery,” questioning the decision to drop experienced players such as Babar Azam from the squad.
“Will You Steal ICC Trophies Now?”
Pakistan’s loss also drew a strong reaction from former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, who criticised the team’s performance and questioned the decisions made during the series.
Akmal expressed frustration over Pakistan’s inability to win bilateral series and raised questions about the team’s future in major international tournaments. Referring to the defeat, he said, “When you do not win series against teams, how will you progress? Will you steal ICC trophies now?”
Wider Debate Over Pakistan Cricket
The ODI series defeat has also intensified the debate around Pakistan’s recent performances in international cricket. The loss to Bangladesh came shortly after a disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup, where the team failed to progress deep into the tournament.
Following the Bangladesh series, former players and analysts have publicly questioned the team’s strategy, leadership decisions, and squad selection policies.
– Magizh
