Revealed- Why Shaheen Afridi Has Dropped Haris Rauf From PAK Playing XI Vs BAN In 1st ODI

Haris Rauf & Shaheen Afridi (Source: AFP Photos)

Two subcontinental cricket giants, Pakistan and Bangladesh, began the three-match ODI series in Mirpur on Wednesday. And during the toss, the most shocking decision was Shaheen Afridi not including Haris Rauf in Pakistan’s playing XI.

Among many new faces, Haris Rauf was one of the most household names in the Pakistan squad. Yet Shaheen Afridi did not pick him for the first ODI against Bangladesh. Why is it so? Shaheen Afridi said at the toss in a very clear way.

Why Haris Rauf Is Not Playing Pakistan vs Bangladesh 1st ODI

Along with Shaheen, Mohammad Wasim Jr was the only designated pacer in Pakistan’s playing XI against Bangladesh. Shaheen clearly mentioned that he would want to see how the youngsters, who have been performing well for Pakistan Shaheens as well as for others in their country’s domestic circuit, would show their worth at the international stage.

"I think for me, like I am really excited to see them in the nets. They have performed well in Shaheens and in the domestic circuit as well. So, as a team, we are excited to see them and hope they perform for Pakistan for a long time," Shaheen Afridi said at the toss.

Also Read: Pakistan Player Exposes Dark Side Of PCB, Urges Killer Blow From T20 World Cup Players

Pakistan Playing XI vs Bangladesh In 1st ODI

Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (c), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed

Pakistan Bat First; Maaz Sadaqat One To Watch

Earlier, Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and asked Pakistan to bat first. T20 World Cup hero Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain and Abdul Samad are the four debutants for Pakistan, while Bangladesh will have Litton Das to bat in the middle order.

Among many names, Maaz Sadaqat is one to watch out for in Pakistan playing XI. Maaz Sadaqat made headlines against India when Pakistan and India A faced each other in November 2025. There, he smashed 79 off just 47 deliveries and also picked up two wickets during their Asia Cup Rising Stars match.

Moreover, Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi mentioned that he would not mind batting first in Mirpur.

"Actually, I would go for bat first on this track. The reason is that 4 debutants so I don't want to put pressure on them batting second. So let them bat freely and we support them," Shaheen cited.

All three ODIs will take place at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The fixtures are scheduled for March 11, March 13, and March 15. After that Pakistan players will get busy on PSL 2026, of which the schedule was also announced yesterday.

PSL 2026 will begin on March 26 and will finish on May 3.

Also Read: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf Humiliated Terribly As PSL Captain Prefers Snubbed Pakistan Pacer