Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has said Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafiq could serve as options for the No.3 position in the ODI format if Babar Azam is injured or rested, with an eye on the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Hafeez said Shan Masood, who holds an average of 53, or Abdullah Shafiq could prove a better option for the No.3 slot should Babar Azam remain unavailable for any reason ahead of the next World Cup in South Africa.
It is pertinent to note that selection committee member Aaqib Javed earlier said Babar Azam had been carrying an injury after the Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and that the matter remains under inquiry.
