Pakistan announce 16-member squad for Australia ODI series, include Babar Azam and Haris Rauf

Published - 22 May 2026, 11:31 IST | Updated - 22 May 2026, 11:35 IST

Pakistan have announced their 16-member squad for their upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Australia starting from May 30. The main talking point involves the return of former captain Babar Azam, with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan getting the chop.

Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to captain the side, with all-rounder Salman Ali Agha named as his deputy. Meanwhile, Azam, along with Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and Sufyan Moqim, have all returned to the 50-over setup after missing out on the series against Bangladesh earlier this year.

It is worth noting that three players in the squad have not featured for Pakistan in ODI cricket. These include Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas and Rohail Nazir. Daniyal and Minhas, however, have represented the Men in Green in T20Is but not in the 50-over format.

Other notable exclusions from the side involve the opening duo of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman. The pair are recovering from their recent injury setbacks, making them unavailable for selection. In their absence, Sahibzada Farhan maintains his place in the 16-player squad.

Pakistan come into the series against Australia on the back of some disappointing series losses against Bangladesh, both in ODI cricket and most recently in Tests, losing the two-match series 2-0. However, they will take on a heavily rotated Australian outfit, captained by Mitchell Marsh, with the fast-bowling trio of Josh Halzewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins being rested.

The three-match series will be the first time Australia have travelled to the shores of Pakistan for an ODI series since 2022. The current World Champions lost the series 2-1.

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