Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Yousuf revolt against Mohsin Naqvi after Babar Azam’s ODI axing

Pakistan cricket has returned to its full drama mode. The decision to drop Babar Azam from the ODI squad for the Bangladesh tour has shocked the Pakistani fans and left former stars angry, with all questioning the Mohsin Naqvi-headed Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) calls.

After a disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, where Pakistan crashed out in the Super 8 stage, the PCB selectors made one of the biggest names in Pakistan cricket their scapegoat.

Babar Azam shockingly dropped from Pakistan's ODI side

Mohsin Khan and the selectors have removed Babar Azam from the ODI team following his poor run in recent months. In the T20 World Cup 2026, the former captain has managed only 91 runs in four matches at an average of 22.75 and a strike rate of 111.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Read Also: India’s Wankhede semi-final curse will favour England in T20 World Cup clash

His ODI numbers in 2025 were also not very impressive. In 17 innings, the right-handed batter scored 544 runs at an average of 34, and his strike rate was below 80, which raised serious concerns in modern-day cricket, where scoring fast is very important.

The selectors have now decided to move in a completely new direction. The PCB has picked six new players, including Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, and Shamyl Hussain, for the upcoming Bangladesh tour.

'Mind-boggling decision’: Mohammad Yousuf slams Mohsin Naqvi

This clearly shows that the PCB wants to rebuild and prepare for the future, especially keeping in mind the 2027 ODI World Cup. But this bold move has not gone down well with several former cricketers, including Mohammad Yousuf and Mohammad Amir.

Former Pakistan captain and coach Mohammad Yousuf slammed Naqvi and the selectors' call. He feels that dropping Babar at this stage does not make sense and questions the thinking behind such a big call.

Yousuf posted on X (formerly Twitter): “[Babar Azam's] inclusion in the [T20 World Cup] was surprising, but his exclusion now, if it's not simply a case of being rested, is mind-boggling. Who is making these senseless decisions.”

#BabarAzam’s inclusion in the #T20WorldCup was surprising, but his exclusion now, if it’s not simply a case of being rested is mind boggling. Who is making these senseless decisions.

— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) March 4, 2026

Babar Azam dropped or rested? Mohammad Amir demands a clear answer

Former fast bowler Mohammad Amir also raised serious doubts. He demanded clarity on whether Babar is being rested or completely dropped.

The former Pakistani star also pointed out that if Pakistan is already planning for the 2027 World Cup, then the board should clearly say so instead of creating confusion.

Read Also: India vs England Weather Report, 2nd Semi-final: Rain forecast for T20 World Cup 2026 match

Mohammad Amir said on the Geo News show Haarna Mana Hai, “You dropped Babar, or you rested him. So which ODI matches or tournaments will he play to make his comeback to the team? That is my question. If the plan is that these new players will play because there are eight months left for the 2027 ODI World Cup, then this should be told clearly. If they fail in these two series after Babar has been dropped, will they still be part of the team when the World Cup is happening? The situation needs proper clarity.”

Ahmed Shehzad slams Babar Azam’s axing, demands answers from PCB

Even Ahmed Shehzad jumped into the debate. He highlighted that Babar has millions of fans around the world who deserve a proper explanation for this move.

Ahmed Shehzad said during the same discussion, “Babar Azam’s fans are all over the world. They need clarity. Before taking this decision, did they give him that clarity? Okay, he didn’t perform well. Then tell the public clearly that these were the reasons because of which Pakistan suffered, and he had a major role in it. If the board wants to take such action across all formats, they should say it openly. Otherwise, he does not deserve this treatment.”

🚨🚨 M Amir & A Shehzad openly Speaking for Babar Azam & his Fans❗

- Amir🗣️ Have you dropped them or given them a rest ?Give them clarity, give his fans Clarity

- A Shehzad🗣️ Babar is your best odi batter, how can you drop him on T20 performance?pic.twitter.com/Agz4YzKA8j

— SheR•ALI (@Sher__Ali) March 4, 2026