Pakistan Announce ODI Squad vs Australia; Babar Azam Returns, Rizwan Dropped

Pakistan have announced their 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, beginning on May 30. The biggest talking point from the squad announcement is the return of former captain Babar Azam, while wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been dropped from the side. Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the team, with all-rounder Salman Ali Agha appointed as vice-captain.

Several senior players have returned to Pakistan’s ODI setup after missing the Bangladesh series earlier this year. Alongside Babar Azam, the likes of Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, and Sufyan Moqim are back in the squad as Pakistan aim to bounce back from recent disappointing results. Their return significantly strengthens both the bowling and batting departments ahead of the home series.

The squad also includes three players who are yet to make their ODI debut for Pakistan — Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, and Rohail Nazir. While Daniyal and Minhas have already represented Pakistan in T20 Internationals, this marks their first inclusion in the 50-over setup. The selectors appear keen to test fresh talent as they continue preparations for future ICC events.

Among the notable absentees are opening batters Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, both of whom are recovering from injuries and were unavailable for selection. In their absence, Sahibzada Farhan has retained his spot in the squad. Pakistan head into the series under pressure after suffering ODI and Test series defeats against Bangladesh, including a 2-0 loss in the recent Test series.

Australia, however, will also arrive with a relatively inexperienced squad. The visitors will be led by Mitchell Marsh, while premier fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood have been rested. The three-match ODI series will mark Australia’s first ODI tour of Pakistan since 2022, when Pakistan won the series 2-1 against the reigning world champions.

Pakistan’s ODI squad for Australia series: Shaheen Shah Afridi (C), Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Maaz Sadaqat, Ghazi Ghori, Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir, Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain and Sufyan Moqim. The ODI series schedule is as follows: 1st ODI – May 30 in Rawalpindi, 2nd ODI – June 2 in Lahore, and 3rd ODI – June 4 in Lahore.

Pakistan vs Australia 2026 ODI schedule