Pakistan Likely to Make Major Squad Changes for Australia ODI Series

Pakistan is likely to make major squad changes for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, with final consultations currently underway, sources said.

The series will begin in Rawalpindi on May 30, while the remaining two matches will be played in Lahore on June 2 and June 4.

According to sources, former captain Babar Azam is likely to be included in the squad, while several changes are also expected from the group that recently played against Bangladesh. Selectors are considering fresh combinations ahead of the home series.

Sources added that Fakhar Zaman and Sufiyan Muqeem are set to make their comebacks, while Hunain Shah is expected to earn his maiden call-up to the national team.

Hunain impressed during Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) while representing Hyderabad Kingsmen. The fast bowler claimed 17 wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 8.57.

Meanwhile, it may be difficult for Faheem Ashraf and Hussain Talat to retain their places in the ODI setup. Discussions are also continuing regarding wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and his role in the squad, sources said.

Australia is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on May 23. Pakistan’s squad will begin training in Rawalpindi from May 22, with the national side also expected to play a practice match during the camp.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had earlier assembled a 28-player pool for the Australia series at a week-long white-ball camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The camp began on May 15 and will continue until May 21, featuring training sessions and practice matches.

The PCB said the NCA coaching staff will work with the Pakistan men’s white-ball team management to train and monitor the players throughout the camp.

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