Babar Azam Returns as Pakistan Announce ODI Squad for Australia Series

Pakistan have recalled star batter Babar Azam for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, beginning on May 30, while also handing maiden call-ups to uncapped trio Rohail Nazir, Arafat Minhas and Ahmed Daniyal.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 16-member squad on Friday, with Shaheen Shah Afridi continuing as captain and Salman Ali Agha appointed vice-captain. The most notable omission from the squad is wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan.

Experienced Core Returns

Alongside Babar Azam, Pakistan have also brought back experienced campaigners Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah.

Babar and Naseem were both part of Pakistan’s last home ODI series against Sri Lanka in November 2025, where Pakistan secured a 3-0 clean sweep. For Shadab, however, this marks his return to the ODI setup for the first time since the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.

Naseem’s comeback is particularly significant after an injury-hit PSL 2026 campaign. The fast bowler played only three matches before being sidelined by a back injury and later suffered another setback after limping off following a diving effort on the field.

Fresh Faces Earn Opportunities

The selectors have rewarded several young performers with opportunities in the ODI squad.

Wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir receives his first ODI call-up after consistent domestic performances, while left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas and pacer Ahmed Daniyal also earn maiden selections.

Daniyal returns after recovering from a hamstring injury that limited him to only four appearances during PSL 2026.

Another notable inclusion is left-arm wristspinner Sufyan Moqim, who enjoyed a breakthrough PSL season with Peshawar Zalmi. Moqim claimed 22 wickets in the tournament and was named Player of the Series. His last ODI appearance came against West Indies in August 2025.

Rizwan Omitted, Injuries Continue to Hurt Pakistan

Mohammad Rizwan’s absence from the ODI squad is the biggest surprise in the announcement. The PCB did not provide a detailed explanation regarding his omission.

Pakistan will also be without key top-order batters Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman due to injuries, while Usman Khan has been ruled out because of illness.

All three players had also missed Pakistan’s recent ODI tour of Bangladesh in March.

In their absence, Pakistan have retained youngsters Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat and Shamyl Hussain, all of whom made their ODI debuts during the Bangladesh series.

Bangladesh Tour Led to Major Changes

Pakistan’s most recent ODI assignment came against Bangladesh earlier this year, where the team experimented heavily with new players and handed debuts to six cricketers across the three-match series.

However, the strategy failed to produce the desired results as Pakistan lost the series 2-1.

Several players from that squad — including Faisal Akram, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Saad Masood — have now been dropped for the Australia series.

Pakistan ODI Squad vs Australia

Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Maaz Sadaqat, Ghazi Ghori (wk), Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain, Sufyan Moqim.