Babar Azam returns to the Pakistan ODI squad for the upcoming Australia series.
Table of Contents
Pakistan ODI Squad Updates
The Pakistan Cricket Board recently announced the 16-member Pakistan ODI squad for the upcoming three-match home series against Australia beginning May 30.
This updated roster features the notable return of former captain Babar Azam alongside several new player additions.
Leadership Adjustments and Veteran Returns
Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the team, with Salman Ali Agha newly appointed as the vice-captain. The current selection marks a significant strategic shift, as senior wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been officially omitted from the Pakistan ODI squad.
Despite this exclusion, the team welcomes back experienced bowlers Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah for the Australia ODI series. Both players last competed in home one-day internationals in late 2025 and bring necessary experience to the bowling attack.
Uncapped Player Additions and Injury Replacements
The selection committee has introduced three uncapped players to the international level. Wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir, left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas, and fast bowler Ahmed Daniyal received their maiden call-ups to the national team.
These additions address current roster gaps caused by the unavailability of Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Usman Khan due to injuries and illness.
To stabilize the batting lineup, management retained three top-order batters who recently debuted during the Bangladesh tour:
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Maaz Sadaqat
- Shamyl Hussain
Key Takeaways
- Babar Azam returns to the 16-member roster for the upcoming home matches against Australia.
- Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the new vice-captain under Shaheen Shah Afridi.
- Three uncapped players—Rohail Nazir, Arafat Minhas, and Ahmed Daniyal—received their first national call-ups.
Quiz
| Question |
| 1. Which player was appointed as the vice-captain of the team for the Australia series? A) Babar Azam B) Salman Ali Agha C) Shadab Khan D) Shaheen Shah Afridi |
| 2. Who is one of the uncapped players called up to the new roster? A) Naseem Shah B) Sahibzada Farhan C) Rohail Nazir D) Saim Ayub |
| 3. Which senior player was notably omitted from the 16-member squad? A) Mohammad Rizwan B) Fakhar Zaman C) Usman Khan D) Haris Rauf |
Fast scores, major news, and zero fluff. Everything you need to stay ahead of the game.