The Pakistan cricket team has officially announced its 16 member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, with Babar Azam making a much-awaited return to the national side. The three match ODI series will begin on May 30 and will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue leading the side as captain, while Salman Ali Agha has been appointed vice-captain. One of the biggest surprises in the squad is the absence of wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan, who has been left out for this series.
The selectors have recalled experienced stars Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, all of whom missed Pakistan’s previous tour of Bangladesh. Their return is expected to strengthen both the batting and bowling departments ahead of the important home series.
Pakistan have also included three uncapped players in the squad. Young talents Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, and wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir earned call ups after impressive domestic performances. Another wicketkeeping option in the squad is Muhammad Ghazi Ghori.
Meanwhile, explosive opener Fakhar Zaman and young batter Saim Ayub remain unavailable due to injuries and are currently undergoing rehabilitation under the PCB medical team.
The squad will gather in Islamabad for a training camp before the Australian team arrives in Pakistan on May 23. The opening ODI will take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the remaining two matches will be held at Gaddafi Stadium.
Fans are eagerly waiting to see Babar Azam’s comeback and how Pakistan performs under Shaheen Afridi’s leadership against a strong Australian side.
