Babar Azam returns as Pakistan name 16-member ODI squad for Australia series

Pakistan have named a 16-member squad for a three-match ODI series against Australia, to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 30 May to 4 June. Shaheen Shah Afridi continues as captain, with Salman Ali Agha as vice-captain. The squad includes returning seniors, three uncapped players, and several notable omissions.

Who is in Pakistan's ODI squad for the Australia series?

Pakistan's 16-member squad features the return of Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Sufyan Moqim, all of whom missed the Bangladesh ODI series in March. Shaheen Shah Afridi leads the side, with Salman Ali Agha as his deputy. The squad assembles in Islamabad on 23 May ahead of training under the national coaching staff.

Which uncapped players have earned a call-up against Australia?

Three players stand to make their ODI debuts in the series. Fast bowler Ahmed Daniyal, all-rounder Arafat Minhas, and wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir have all received their first national call-ups. Rohail joins Muhammad Ghazi Ghori as one of two designated wicketkeeper-batters in the squad.

The selectors have retained several younger names as part of a gradual shift toward a new ODI core. Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Sahibzada Farhan, and Shamyl Hussain all keep their places. Their continued inclusion signals a deliberate transition in Pakistan's middle-order planning.

Why has Mohammad Rizwan been dropped from the Pakistan squad?

Rizwan's omission is the most discussed selection call, coming after he scored 58 runs in the Bangladesh ODI series. Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, Saad Masood, Faisal Akram, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr have also been left out.

Which Pakistan players are ruled out through injury?

Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub remain sidelined and are continuing rehabilitation under the PCB medical panel. Wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan was also unavailable for selection after being ruled out through illness.

Australia are scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on 23 May and will train at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium before the opening ODI on 30 May. The second and third matches will be held at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on 2 and 4 June.

Pakistan squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain and Sufyan Moqim.