The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised to make significant changes to the squad for the highly anticipated white-ball series against Australia later in November. In a bold move signaling a new chapter for Pakistan cricket, Mohammad Rizwan is set to be appointed as the national team’s captain.
Rizwan’s versatility has been on full display, whether he’s opening the innings in T20s or playing match-saving knocks in Tests. His attitude epitomizes the fighting spirit of Pakistan cricket, and as captain, he aims to instill that same resilience in the next generation of cricketers. Previously, he has led the international team on two occasions, both against New Zealand in Test matches in 2020 and 2021.
Star batter and former white-ball captain Babar Azam, along with pacers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, are set to make their return in the upcoming series after being left out of Pakistan's Test squad following the loss to England in the series opener. The selection committee has also finalized the squads for the Australia tour, with newcomers Mehran Mumtaz and Sufiyan Muqeem expected to receive their first call-ups.
In addition to Rizwan's captaincy, the PCB is expected to drop some high-profile players, paving the way for fresh talent to prove themselves on the international stage.
Among those likely to be omitted are Iftikhar Ahmed, who has faced scrutiny from the PCB and hasn’t featured for Pakistan since the T20 World Cup match against India in June. Shadab Khan, another notable name, last played a 50-over match in 2023 and has been absent from T20 cricket since June. Despite strong domestic performances, he has struggled to regain the selectors' confidence. Fakhar Zaman, reportedly dealing with fitness issues, is also expected to be a notable absentee.
It is worth noting that the Pakistan cricket team will leave for Melbourne on October 29. Upon arrival, they will conduct training sessions at the renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 1 and 2, with an optional session on November 3. The first ODI match against Australia is scheduled for November 4.
The selection committee, which includes Aqib Javed, Azhar Ali, Aleem Dar, Asad Shafiq, and Hasan Cheema, is actively evaluating potential players for the upcoming three ODIs and three T20 matches in Australia.
ODI series schedule:
T20I series schedule: