MELBOURNE: Members of the Pakistan ODI squad have arrived in Melbourne for their upcoming series against Australia, with the remaining players set to depart today, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with the newly appointed white-ball captain Muhammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha, offering his best wishes and emphasizing the honor of leading the national team. He stressed the importance of unity and resilience, encouraging the squad to work together for success.
Squad for Australia Tour
The PCB has announced the squads for their tours of Australia and Zimbabwe, featuring a mix of returning key players and emerging domestic talent. The white-ball teams will compete in three ODIs and three T20Is during their November-December tours.
Pakistan will face Australia from November 4 to 18 before heading to Zimbabwe for matches from November 24 to December 5. These tours are seen as crucial preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy, with selectors focusing on a balance of experienced players and fresh faces.
Key Returns for Australia, Rotations for Zimbabwe
Key players Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who were rested during the recent Test series against England, will participate in the Australia tour but will be rested for the Zimbabwe series. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan will play both ODIs in Australia and Zimbabwe but will miss the T20Is in Zimbabwe.
The selection committee’s rotation policy aims to ensure readiness for the Champions Trophy while providing promising domestic players with international exposure.
Several players without prior ODI caps, including Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Haseebullah, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Saim Ayub, have been named to the ODI squad. Additionally, Jahandad Khan and Salman Ali Agha are set to make their T20I debuts.
Returning to the national side are Kamran Ghulam, Omair Bin Yousuf, and Sufyan Moqim, all of whom have previously represented Pakistan in limited-overs cricket. Kamran notably served as a concussion substitute for Haris Sohail against New Zealand in early 2023, while Omair and Sufyan debuted at the Asian Games men’s cricket competition.
Fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain, who led the Champions One-Day Cup with 17 wickets in Faisalabad, rejoins the ODI squad after last playing an ODI against New Zealand in January 2023.
