Islamabad: Pakistan national cricket team have announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming One Day International series against Australia national cricket team, with the return of senior players including Babar Azam and Haris Rauf. The three-match series is scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from May 30 to June 4.

The squad signals a blend of experience and fresh talent, as Pakistan look to strengthen their combination ahead of future international commitments. Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the side, with Salman Ali Agha named as vice-captain.

Key returns boost squad strength

The return of Babar Azam is a major boost for Pakistan’s batting line-up. Widely regarded as one of the most consistent batters in modern cricket, Babar’s presence adds stability and experience to the top order. Alongside him, Haris Rauf’s inclusion strengthens the pace attack, offering variety and aggression in the bowling department.

Pakistan have also recalled Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and Sufyan Moqim, all of whom missed the previous ODI assignment against Bangladesh earlier this year. Their return provides depth in both bowling and all-round capabilities.

New faces earn maiden call-ups

One of the notable aspects of the squad is the inclusion of three uncapped players — Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas and Rohail Nazir — who are yet to make their ODI debut. Their selection reflects the team management’s intent to invest in young talent and build bench strength.

Rohail Nazir, who has impressed in domestic and junior cricket, is also one of the two wicketkeeper-batters in the squad alongside Muhammad Ghazi Ghori. The duo has been preferred after Usman Khan was ruled out due to illness.

Injuries rule out key players

Pakistan will be without the services of key batters Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, both of whom are currently recovering from injuries. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical panel has advised continued rehabilitation for the duo, ruling them out of the Australia series.

Their absence opens opportunities for other players in the batting unit to step up and make an impact in the home conditions.

Continuity from Bangladesh series

Several players who featured in the ODI series against Bangladesh have retained their places in the squad. These include Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Maaz Sadaqat, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain. Their continued presence indicates the selectors’ confidence in the core group, despite the changes made to strengthen the squad.

The mix of retained players and returning stars aims to create a balanced unit capable of competing against a strong Australian side.

Preparations and schedule

The Pakistan squad will assemble in Islamabad and begin training under the coaching staff ahead of the series. Meanwhile, the Australian team is expected to arrive in Islamabad on May 23 and will also undergo practice sessions at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The matches will be played across two प्रमुख venues — Rawalpindi and Lahore — both known for producing competitive pitches that offer assistance to both batters and bowlers.

Conclusion

The return of Babar Azam and other senior players signals Pakistan’s intent to field a strong side against Australia in what promises to be a competitive ODI series. At the same time, the inclusion of young and uncapped players highlights a forward-looking approach aimed at building squad depth.

With experienced leaders like Shaheen Shah Afridi at the helm and a blend of youth and experience in the squad, Pakistan will be keen to make a strong statement on home soil. The series also provides an important opportunity for new players to showcase their talent on the international stage and stake a claim for future selection.


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