CricketNews – Pakistan has confirmed a 16-player squad for the upcoming One Day International series against Australia, with the matches scheduled between May 30 and June 4 in Rawalpindi and Lahore. The selection committee has introduced a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent as the national side prepares for another important home assignment.
Shaheen Afridi Handed Leadership Responsibility
Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will captain the side during the three-match series, while Salman Ali Agha has been appointed vice-captain. The Pakistan Cricket Board released the squad details ahead of the team’s training camp in Islamabad, where preparations are set to begin this weekend.
Several senior players have returned to the ODI setup after missing the Bangladesh series earlier this year. Former captain Babar Azam, along with Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and Sufyan Moqim, have all regained their places in the national squad. Their inclusion is expected to strengthen both the batting and bowling departments against a competitive Australian side.
Young Players Receive First Opportunity
The selectors have also rewarded domestic performers by including three uncapped players in the squad. Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas and Rohail Nazir are in line to potentially make their ODI debuts during the series.
Rohail Nazir has been picked as one of the wicketkeeper-batters alongside Muhammad Ghazi Ghori after Usman Khan was ruled out because of illness. Team management believes the newcomers can add fresh energy and depth to the squad during the home fixtures.
Players who were part of the Bangladesh ODI series have largely retained their places. Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Maaz Sadaqat, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain continue to remain in the team setup following their recent performances.
Training Camp Begins in Islamabad
The Pakistan squad is scheduled to gather in Islamabad before beginning formal practice sessions under the coaching staff. Training activities will continue at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the opening match of the series.
Australia’s squad is also expected to arrive in Islamabad shortly before participating in preparation sessions. Security and logistical arrangements for the tour have already been finalized, according to officials familiar with the planning.
Pakistan will enter the ODI series with confidence after their successful T20I campaign against Australia earlier this year. During that contest, the hosts secured a dominant 3-0 clean sweep, which boosted morale within the dressing room and among supporters.
Injured Players Continue Recovery
Opening batters Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were not considered for selection as both players continue their rehabilitation programs following injuries. Medical staff are reportedly monitoring their recovery carefully before making any decision regarding their return to international cricket.
The absence of the two left-handed batters may create additional pressure on Pakistan’s top order, though selectors appear confident in the available options. The management is expected to closely evaluate squad combinations during the training sessions leading into the first ODI.
Complete Pakistan Squad for Australia ODIs
Pakistan’s squad for the series includes Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain, Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir, Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain and Sufyan Moqim.
The ODI series schedule begins with the opening match in Rawalpindi on May 30. The remaining two matches will be played in Lahore on June 2 and June 4 respectively.