ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia national cricket team, scheduled from May 30 to June 4 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to captain the side, while Salman Ali Agha has been appointed vice-captain for the series.
Babar Azam and Key Players Return
The squad marks the return of several prominent players, including Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, and Sufiyan Muqeem. All four players missed Pakistan’s ODI series against Bangladesh in March.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, and Rohail Nazir retained their places in the ODI setup. The trio may also make their international debuts during the Australia series after previously remaining unused in earlier squads.
Additionally, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and Rohail Nazir have been selected as wicketkeeper-batters after Usman Khan was ruled out because of illness.
Injured Players Continue Rehabilitation
The selectors did not consider Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub for the series because both players continue rehabilitation under the PCB medical panel following injuries.
The first ODI will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on May 30. Subsequently, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the remaining two matches on June 2 and June 4.
Pakistan ODI Squad:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir, Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain, and Sufiyan Muqeem.
