Star Batter Included in 16-Man Squad as Pakistan Prepare for Tough Home Series
Lahore: Pakistan have recalled star batter Babar Azam for the upcoming three-match ODI series against world champions Australia, with selectors announcing a 16-member squad on Friday.
According to Beyond Time News, the national selection committee confirmed Babar’s return after he missed the Bangladesh tour earlier this year due to fitness concerns. His strong form in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he scored 588 runs, helped secure his comeback.
Shaheen Shah Afridi to Lead Pakistan
Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue as captain of the ODI side, while Salman Ali Agha has been appointed vice-captain.
The squad also includes the return of several key players who were absent from the Bangladesh series:
- Haris Rauf
- Naseem Shah
- Shadab Khan
Selectors said the team aims to rebuild momentum ahead of the next major international cycle.
New Faces Get ODI Opportunity
Pakistan have also included several fresh names in the squad. These players will be making their ODI debuts:
- Ahmed Daniyal (fast bowler)
- Arafat Minhas (all-rounder)
- Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper batter)
Left-arm spinner Sufyan Moqim also returns after finishing as the leading wicket-taker in PSL 2026 with 22 wickets.
Senior Players Missing from Squad
The selection panel made several surprising exclusions for the series.
Senior opener Fakhar Zaman and young batter Saim Ayub will miss out due to injuries. Meanwhile, experienced wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan has been dropped from the ODI squad.
Officials said the changes are part of a broader strategy to test new combinations ahead of future international tournaments.
Australia Tour of Pakistan Schedule
The Australian cricket team is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on May 23. The ODI series will be played across three venues:
- Rawalpindi: May 30
- Lahore: June 2 and June 4
The series is expected to be highly competitive as both teams prepare for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Read more:Babar Azam, Naseem Shah Return as PCB Announce 16-Man ODI Squad for Australia Series
Pakistan Look to Bounce Back After Test Setback
Pakistan enter the ODI series after a disappointing 2-0 defeat in their recent Test series in Bangladesh. The team management hopes the refreshed squad will help restore confidence and deliver stronger performances.
Pakistan ODI Squad
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Maaz Sadaqat, Ghazi Ghori, Rohail Nazir, Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, Abdul Samad, Sufyan Moqim.
FAQs
Why was Babar Azam dropped earlier?
He missed the Bangladesh tour due to fitness issues but returned after strong PSL performances.
Who is Pakistan’s ODI captain?
Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the ODI side.
Which major players are missing?
Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and Mohammad Rizwan are not part of the squad.
When does the Australia series start?
The ODI series begins on May 30 in Rawalpindi.
Why is this series important?
It helps both teams prepare for the ICC World Cup 2027 cycle.
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