Pakistan is set to face Australia in a three-match ODI series, starting at Rawalpindi. The subsequent two matches will occur in Lahore. As part of the squad announcement made on May 22, there are notable absences, notably Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman.
Key Absentees for the ODI Series
The exclusion of Mohammad Rizwan is particularly significant. He has faced challenges in recent white-ball performances, scoring only 58 runs in three ODIs against Bangladesh earlier this year. Furthermore, Rizwan’s PSL season yielded just 204 runs in 10 matches, with a strike rate of 116.57, and he failed to achieve any half-centuries.
In total, Rizwan has struggled since his time in the Big Bash League, leading to doubts about his potential within the ODI format. Consequently, he has been omitted from the squad. In his absence, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Ghazi Ghori and Rohail Nazir as wicketkeepers, with Nazir yet to debut in ODIs but having participated in three T20 internationals.
Injuries Impacting Openers
Both Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman are also sidelined due to injuries. The PCB has confirmed that the players are undergoing rehabilitation under the guidance of their medical team.
- Saim Ayub is recovering from an undisclosed injury.
- Fakhar Zaman is also nursing an injury and will miss the series.
The two openers last participated in ODIs against Sri Lanka in November 2025. Their absence opens up opportunities for players like Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat, who debuted earlier this year against Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s Squad for the Australia ODIs
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdul Samad, Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain |
| Wicketkeepers | Ghazi Ghori, Rohail Nazir |
| All-rounders | Arafat Minhas, Maaz Sadaqat, Shadab Khan |
| Bowlers | Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Moqim |
With these adjustments, the Pakistan team aims to put on a strong performance against Australia amid the competitive backdrop of international cricket.
