Pakistan’s cricket landscape has shifted dramatically as the national team prepares to host Australia for a three-match ODI series starting May 30, with star batter Babar Azam making a high-profile return to the squad after being controversially dropped for the Bangladesh tour.
The Pakistan Cricket Board announced a 16-member squad Thursday that sees Babar rejoining the setup under captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, alongside recalled pace duo Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. The trio’s return signals a major shake-up following their absence from the recent away series in Bangladesh.
However, the selection comes amid a mounting injury crisis that has stripped Pakistan of both first-choice openers. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub have been ruled out of the entire series, with the PCB confirming both players remain under medical supervision and rehabilitation. The loss of two established top-order batsmen represents a significant blow as Pakistan seeks to defend home advantage against one of cricket’s powerhouse nations.
In another stunning move, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been dropped entirely, with the selectors instead turning to Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and uncapped Rohail Nazir to handle the gloves. The decision to exclude Rizwan, a regular fixture in Pakistan’s limited-overs sides, has raised eyebrows across the cricket community.
The squad features three uncapped players—Nazir, Ahmed Daniyal, and Arafat Minhas—suggesting the team management is willing to gamble on fresh talent during a crucial home series. Salman Ali Agha will serve as vice-captain to Shaheen.
Adding to the upheaval, Pakistan is operating under a coaching staff in transition. Current batting coach Hanif Malik is serving his notice period, with the Australia series set to be his final assignment before departure. The PCB has already begun advertising for his replacement, seeking candidates with international-level experience and advanced coaching credentials. Applications remain open until June 7, though the new appointment will only take effect after the Australia series concludes.
The squad assembled in Islamabad Thursday night and began training Friday under head coach Mike Hesson and the existing support staff. Australia’s touring party arrived in Islamabad on Friday and will also train at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the series opener.
The first ODI takes place May 30 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with the second and third matches scheduled for June 2 and 4 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. All matches begin at 4:30pm local time.
Pakistan enters the series with momentum from their recent performances against Australia on home soil. Earlier this year, the hosts completed a 3-0 T20I clean sweep in Lahore, while they also secured a 2-1 ODI series victory during Australia’s 2022 tour.
Yet the current squad’s composition—marked by Babar’s return, Rizwan’s exclusion, the opener injury crisis, and coaching instability—suggests Pakistan faces significant uncertainty as they attempt to replicate past success. How the reshuffled lineup performs against a formidable Australian side will likely shape the direction of Pakistan cricket in the months ahead.
