Following a disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup, Pakistan is aiming to revitalize their squad during their tour of Australia, where they will play six white-ball matches. In light of the team’s recent struggles, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering significant changes to their white-ball lineup.
Reports suggest that experienced wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is poised to take over the captaincy of Pakistan’s white-ball team from Babar Azam. Rizwan’s consistent performance and tactical expertise could be key in turning the team’s fortunes around.
Exclusions for Fakhar, Shadab, and Iftikhar
According to Cricket Pakistan, seasoned players Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan are likely to be omitted from the squad for the ODIs and T20Is against Australia. Fakhar is currently facing fitness challenges, while Shadab’s prolonged struggles with the ball have made him a candidate for exclusion.
Additionally, Iftikhar Ahmed, who has been Pakistan’s go-to finisher in white-ball formats, may also find himself out of the team, leading to a potential overhaul of the squad for the upcoming matches.
Return of Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem
In a surprising decision, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah were rested from the Test squad to focus on honing their skills for the Australia series. As a result, these key players are expected to make a comeback for the ODI matches, with Babar and Shaheen likely also included in the T20I roster.
Also Read: Pakistan Test Squad Conducts First Practice Session Ahead of Rawalpindi Test
PCB’s Emphasis on Young Talent
If reports hold true, the PCB plans to include several emerging talents in both the ODI and T20I squads for the Australia series. Spinners Sufiyaan Muqeem and Mehran Mumtaz could be in line for their first call-ups, while promising players such as Kamran Ghulam, Qasim Akram, Arafat Minhas, and Yasir Khan may also get the chance to demonstrate their skills.
Pakistan’s Probable ODI Squad vs Australia
Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK)
Babar Azam
Abdullah Shafique
Saim Ayub
Saud Shakeel
Kamran Ghulam
Agha Salman
Qasim Akram
Mohammad Hasnain
Shaheen Afridi
Naseem Shah
Mehran Mumtaz
Usama Mir
Haris Rauf
Mohammed Wasim Jr.
Pakistan’s Probable T20I Squad vs Australia
Usman Khan
Yasir Khan
Mohammad Haris
Saim Ayub
Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK)
Babar Azam
Arafat Minhas
Qasim Akram
Mehran Mumtaz
Sufiyan Muqeem
Shaheen Afridi
Abbas Afridi
Haris Rauf
Zaman Khan
Aamir Jamal
