Babar returns as PCB announces 16-member squad for Australia ODIs

Babar Azam, who missed Pakistan’s most recent ODI tour against Bangladesh, has been called back to the 16-member squad set to face Australia men's national cricket team in three ODIs, starting May 30. Alongside him, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, and Sufiyan Muqeem will also return, while Shaheen Shah Afridi remains the side’s captain.

Pakistan leaves out Rizwan

Pakistan have excluded Mohammad Rizwan from the squad, with uncapped wicketkeeper-batters Rohail Nazir and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori earning call-ups in his place. Additionally, young spinner Arafat Minhas and pacer Ahmed Daniyal have been named in the squad and could make their international debuts during the series.

Pakistan Cricket Board had earlier ruled out Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub as they continue recovering from their respective injuries. Additionally, Usman Khan, who is unwell, has also been left out. That leaves Maaz Sadaqat and Sahibzada Farhan as the likely opening options.

Pakistan’s squad for Australia series:

Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain and Sufyan Moqim.

Team Management:

Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Hanif Malik (batting coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Iftikhar (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Col. Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur).

Pakistan vs Australia ODI series Schedule

30 May – 1st ODI, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

2 June – 2nd ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

4 June – 3rd ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

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