Babar Azam Returns to Pakistan ODI Squad for Australia Series
Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam has been included in the 16-man squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against the world champions Australia, selectors confirmed on Friday. This marks his return after missing the away series in Bangladesh due to a fitness issue earlier this year.
Babar made a strong case for his comeback by amassing 588 runs in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. His impressive form has bolstered Pakistan’s batting lineup ahead of the highly anticipated series.
Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the national side as captain, with Salman Ali Agha appointed as the vice-captain. The squad also welcomes back key players like Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Shadab Khan, all of whom missed the Bangladesh tour.
Left-arm spinner Sufyan Moqim has earned selection after finishing as the highest wicket-taker in PSL 2026 with 22 wickets. Additionally, fast bowler Ahmed Daniyal, spinning all-rounder Arafat Minhas, and wicketkeeper-batsman Rohail Nazir have been included in the ODI squad for the first time.
However, some notable absences include experienced openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, who are sidelined due to injuries. Senior wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has also been dropped from the squad.
The Australian team is set to arrive in Islamabad on May 23, with fixtures scheduled for Rawalpindi on May 30, and Lahore on June 2 and June 4. This series will provide both teams an opportunity to strengthen their squads as they prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Test team recently returned home following a disappointing 2-0 series defeat in Bangladesh.
Pakistan ODI squad: 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, Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir, Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain, and Sufyan Moqim.