Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has raised questions over the exclusion of Babar Azam and Saim Ayub from Pakistan’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

Speaking on a television show, Amir said that the selectors must clarify whether the two players were dropped due to performance or rested from the format.

“Did you drop Saim and Babar from ODI cricket because of their T20 performances, or have you given them rest from ODI cricket? That is the first question,” Amir said.

He also questioned how the players would return to the team if they had been dropped on performance.

“If they were dropped because of performance, then which ODI cricket will they play for a comeback? That is the second question,” he added.

Amir further asked whether the newly selected players would form the core of Pakistan’s squad for the next ODI World Cup.

“Eight months remain until the ODI World Cup. Will these same players who have been selected for the Bangladesh series play the World Cup? And if these players fail to perform, will the ones who were dropped return to the team? We need clarity,” he said.

Ahmed Shehzad also questioned the decision and asked whether Babar Azam was consulted before his omission.

“Did you take Babar into confidence before dropping him? Tell us the reason as well. If he has caused damage to Pakistan cricket, then say it clearly. If that is not the case, then he does not deserve this treatment,” Shehzad said.

He added that Babar remains Pakistan’s best batter in the longer formats of the game.

“He should be in the team because he is your best batter. You do not have a better batter than him in ODI and red-ball cricket,” he said.

The debate began after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh. The board did not provide a clear explanation regarding Babar Azam and Saim Ayub’s absence from the squad.

Six uncapped players received their first call-ups in the ODI format, signalling a major shake-up in the side.

Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the team in the series.

Among the new names, Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood and Shamyl Hussain recently represented Pakistan Shaheens during their series against England Lions in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan squad includes Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha and Shamyl Hussain.

Pakistan will arrive in Bangladesh on March 8 and hold a practice session on March 10.

The three-match ODI series will begin on March 11 at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. The second ODI will take place on March 13 at the same venue, while the third and final match will be played on March 15.