The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia, scheduled from May 30 to June 4, with matches set to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Fast-bowler captain Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the squad, while Salman Ali Agha will serve as vice-captain. The selection marks an important reshuffle as Pakistan looks to rebuild and strengthen its ODI structure ahead of a busy international calendar.
One of the major talking points is the return of senior batter Babar Azam, along with pace bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, all of whom were absent from the previous away series against Bangladesh. Their comeback is expected to significantly boost Pakistan’s batting and bowling strength.
Wicketkeeping responsibilities have also seen changes, with Mohammad Rizwan left out of the squad. The team will now rely on Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and uncapped player Rohail Nazir as wicketkeeping options.
The squad also features three uncapped players: Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, and Rohail Nazir. Their inclusion reflects PCB’s intent to test new talent and build depth for the future. Meanwhile, experienced players Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub are unavailable due to injuries and are currently undergoing rehabilitation under the PCB medical panel.
The team will assemble in Islamabad before beginning training under the coaching staff from 23 May. Australia’s men’s team is also scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on the same day, with practice sessions planned at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the series.
The ODI series will begin on 30 May in Rawalpindi, followed by the second match on 2 June and the final ODI on 4 June, both scheduled at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The squad includes a balanced mix of youth and experience:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain, and Sufyan Moqim.
The team management unit comprises experienced professionals, including manager Naveed Akram Cheema, head coach Mike Hesson, bowling coach Ashley Noffke, batting coach Hanif Malik, fielding coach Shane McDermott, as well as supporting medical, fitness, analysis, and security staff.
This series is expected to be an important preparation phase for Pakistan as they aim to refine combinations and build consistency against a strong Australian side.
