- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
Big news for Pakistan cricket fans.
The PCB has announced a 16-member squad for the three ODIs against Australia. And there are some big changes.
Shaheen Afridi will continue as captain. Babar Azam is back. But Mohammad Rizwan has been left out.
Who's Back?
These players missed the Bangladesh ODI series but are now recalled:
Babar Azam – the former captain returns
Shadab Khan – experienced all-rounder is back
Naseem Shah – young pace sensation returns
Haris Rauf – the speedster is ready
Sufyan Moqim – spinner gets another chance
Who's Out?
Mohammad Rizwan has been dropped. His PSL form was poor, and the selectors decided to give him a break.
Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub are still injured. They will continue their rehab with the PCB medical team.
Usman Khan is unavailable due to illness.
Fresh Faces (Uncapped in ODIs)
Three players who have played T20Is but never an ODI get their first call-up:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Ahmed Daniyal | Fast bowler |
| Arafat Minhas | All-rounder |
| Rohail Nazir | Wicketkeeper-batter |
Rohail Nazir and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori will be the two wicketkeepers in the squad.
Complete 16-Member Squad
Captain: Shaheen Shah Afridi
Vice-captain: Salman Ali Agha
Full squad:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Shaheen Shah Afridi (C) | Captain / Pacer |
| Salman Ali Agha (VC) | Vice-captain / All-rounder |
| Abdul Samad | Batter |
| Abrar Ahmed | Spinner |
| Ahmed Daniyal | Pacer (uncapped in ODIs) |
| Arafat Minhas | All-rounder (uncapped) |
| Babar Azam | Batter |
| Haris Rauf | Pacer |
| Maaz Sadaqat | Batter |
| Muhammad Ghazi Ghori | Wicketkeeper |
| Naseem Shah | Pacer |
| Rohail Nazir | Wicketkeeper (uncapped) |
| Sahibzada Farhan | Batter |
| Shadab Khan | All-rounder |
| Shamyl Hussain | Batter |
| Sufyan Moqim | Spinner |
Full Schedule
The squad will assemble in Islamabad tonight and start training from Saturday, May 23.
Recent History Between Pakistan and Australia
| Year | Series | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Pakistan tour of Australia | 🏆 Pakistan won 2-1 |
| 2022 | Australia tour of Pakistan | 🏆 Pakistan won 2-1 |
So yes, Pakistan have beaten Australia in their last two bilateral ODI series. Can they make it three in a row?
Quick Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Captain | Shaheen Shah Afridi |
| Vice-captain | Salman Ali Agha |
| Big Returns | Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf |
| Notable Absentees | Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub |
| New Faces (Uncapped in ODIs) | Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Rohail Nazir |
| Wicketkeepers | Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Rohail Nazir |
| First ODI | May 30, Rawalpindi (4:30 PM) |
Final Thought
Pakistan have gone with experience at the top — Shaheen, Babar, Shadab, Naseem, Haris — but also sprinkled in some young talent. The wicketkeeping spot is open, with two uncapped keepers fighting for a place.
Australia are always a tough challenge. But at home, with this squad, Pakistan will fancy their chances.
Mark your calendars. May 30 can't come soon enough.