saad masood is in Pakistan’s ODI squad as the team prepares for a three-match tour of Bangladesh, with selection debates breaking out inside and outside the camp. At Pakistan’s training camp in Karachi, former captain Mohammad Rizwan addressed criticism around the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and urged patience with new players. The series is scheduled in Dhaka from March 11 to March 15 (ET), with all matches set for the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
Rizwan defends a “merit-based” selection at Karachi camp
Speaking during the national team’s training camp in Karachi, Rizwan backed Ghori’s inclusion and pushed back against the idea that selections were driven by speculation rather than performance. “Ghazi has come into the team on the basis of performance. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, ” Rizwan said while addressing the ongoing debate.
Rizwan framed the move as part of a broader effort to inject fresh talent into the ODI setup, noting that Ghori is one of six uncapped players included for the Bangladesh tour. He also argued that increasing competition in wicketkeeping could benefit Pakistan, describing it as an area where competition has historically been limited.
“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, ” Rizwan said.
Saad Masood included as Pakistan squad reshaped for Bangladesh tour
The ODI squad named for the Bangladesh series reflects significant changes, with a number of established players left out and uncapped names brought in. The listed squad includes 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.
Discussion around selection has been sharpened by Ghori’s List A record cited in camp coverage: 206 runs in 17 List A appearances, averaging 20. 60 with a strike rate of 79. 53. That statistical snapshot has fueled questions about his immediate readiness, even as Rizwan insisted the pathway for young players must include space to develop at international level.
Rizwan also broadened the conversation beyond a single name, emphasizing that leadership input must carry weight in team decisions. “If the selection committee or head coach does not listen to the captain, then that person should not be captain, ” Rizwan said. “The captain has to lead the team on the field, so his opinion must matter. ”
Bangladesh conditions, Dhaka schedule, and the pressure points ahead
Rizwan cautioned against assuming the tour will be straightforward, pointing to the challenge of playing Bangladesh in home conditions. “On paper, the series may look easy, but Bangladesh are a tough side in their own conditions. The pitches there suit them, ” he said.
What comes next is immediate: Pakistan heads into the Dhaka ODI stretch from March 11 to March 15 (ET) with scrutiny fixed on selection calls and how quickly newcomers settle. For Pakistan, the next signal will come on the field—whether the reshaped squad delivers, and whether saad masood and the other new names turn selection debate into momentum.
