Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has proposed Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique as potential replacements for Babar Azam at number three in One Day Internationals if the top-order batter is unavailable.
Hafeez shared his views on social media platform X, saying Pakistan should begin planning for contingencies ahead of future assignments, including the next ICC Men’s ODI World Cup scheduled in South Africa.
“Shaan Masood (53 Ave) or Abdullah Shafiq could be a better option as no. 3 batter in ODI format if Babar Azam is injured or rested for some reason,” Hafeez wrote.
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.
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) March 15, 2026
Masood, who leads Pakistan’s Test side, has limited experience in ODIs, having played nine matches and scored 163 runs at an average of 18.11, including one half-century. However, his List A record is considerably stronger, with 6,413 runs in 142 matches at an average of 53, including 17 centuries.
Shafique, meanwhile, has featured in 27 ODIs, scoring 737 runs at an average of 29.48, with one century and six fifties.
Selectors seek inquiry into injuries
Separately, Pakistan’s selection committee has asked the Pakistan Cricket Board to investigate injuries sustained by Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, according to selector Aaqib Javed.
Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals of the tournament and recently lost a three-match ODI series 2–1 to the Bangladesh national cricket team.
The team management rested six senior players, including Babar and Fakhar, for the series—a decision that drew criticism from fans questioning selection policies and squad management.
Speaking at Gaddafi Stadium alongside selectors Sarfaraz Ahmed, Asad Shafiq and Misbah-ul-Haq, Javed said both players had been carrying injuries since the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and were not fully fit for selection.
He added that the committee had not been fully informed about their condition, prompting a formal request for an inquiry.
Javed also defended the decision to field a relatively inexperienced squad against Bangladesh, noting that the plan to include six uncapped players had been made prior to the 2026 T20 World Cup to give emerging talent international exposure.
