Rizwan left out as Pakistan announce ODI squad vs Australia

Mohammad Rizwan has emerged as the biggest surprise omission from Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia national cricket team, as the Pakistan Cricket Board unveiled a bold new-look squad on Friday.

The experienced wicketkeeper-batter, long considered one of Pakistan’s most reliable white-ball performers, was left out of the 16-member squad for the three-match home series, sparking immediate debate among fans and cricket experts.

Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue leading the side, while several senior stars have returned after missing the Bangladesh ODI tour earlier this year. The squad includes the comeback of Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem.

Pakistan’s selectors also signaled a clear focus on youth and transition by rewarding several uncapped players. Rising talents Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas and wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir have all been included and could finally make their ODI debuts.

Young wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori also retained his place after impressing during the Bangladesh series and is expected to compete with Rohail for a spot in the playing XI.

Meanwhile, Usman Khan missed out after illness reportedly ruled him out of selection contention.

Pakistan will also enter the series without injured opening pair Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, both of whom are continuing rehabilitation under PCB medical supervision.

The squad is set to assemble in Islamabad before beginning preparations under head coach Mike Hesson ahead of Australia’s arrival later this week.

The ODI series begins at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on May 30, with the remaining matches scheduled at Gaddafi Stadium on June 2 and June 4.

Australia’s return marks their first ODI tour of Pakistan since 2022, when Pakistan secured a memorable 2-1 series victory. Earlier this year, Pakistan also dominated Australia in T20 cricket with a stunning 3-0 clean sweep in Lahore.

Now, with Rizwan missing and several young names stepping into the spotlight, all eyes will be on whether Pakistan’s gamble pays off against one of cricket’s biggest rivals.

Pakistan ODI squad for Australia series

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