- Pakistan name a revamped squad for Australia ahead of crucial ODIs
- Several senior stars return as World Cup planning ramps up
- Australia face Pakistan in a three-match ODI series from 30 May
Pakistan have turned to experience ahead of their ODI series against Australia, with several established stars returning to the national setup for the three-match contest later this month.
The selectors on Thursday unveiled a 16-player squad for the series, which begins on 30 May in Rawalpindi before moving to Lahore for the final two fixtures. Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the side, while Salman Ali Agha has been appointed vice-captain.
Big names return to Pakistan setup
The headline news is the return of some of Pakistan’s biggest names. Former captain Babar Azam is back in the fold alongside pace duo Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. All-rounder Shadab Khan and spinner Sufyan Moqim also return after missing the ODI assignment against Bangladesh in March.
Pakistan appear keen to blend proven quality with emerging talent as they continue preparations for next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
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Young players handed major opportunity
The squad also includes three uncapped players in Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas and wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir, who could all earn their first ODI caps during the series.
Several players who featured in the Bangladesh series have retained their places following encouraging performances. Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Maaz Sadaqat, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain remain part of the setup as Pakistan continue to test their depth in the 50-over format.
There was also a place for Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, who joins Rohail Nazir as the squad’s wicketkeeper-batting options after Usman Khan was ruled out through illness.
Injury setbacks remain for Pakistan
Pakistan will however remain without Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, as both players continue their recovery from injury setbacks.
Their absence leaves the selectors balancing long-term fitness concerns with the need to settle combinations before the World Cup arrives next year.
Revamped squad for Australia brings fresh intrigue
The upcoming tour marks Australia’s first bilateral ODI visit to Pakistan since 2022, when the hosts secured an impressive 2-1 series triumph. Pakistan will also take confidence from their recent white-ball success against the Australians, having completed a 3-0 T20I clean sweep in Lahore earlier this year.
With the countdown to the World Cup gathering pace, this series carries added significance for both sides as they look to sharpen combinations and build momentum in conditions likely to mirror those expected at the global tournament.
Also read: Pakistan Test woes continue after Bangladesh defeat
Pakistan ODI squad and series schedule
Pakistan ODI squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Maaz Sadaqat, Ghazi Ghori, Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir, Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain and Sufyan Moqim.
Series schedule:
30 May: First ODI, Rawalpindi
2 June: Second ODI, Lahore
4 June: Third ODI, Lahore
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