PCB likely to announce Pakistan squads for Australia and Zimbabwe tours on same day

Sources reveal that while senior players may feature in the Australia tour, they could be rested for the Zimbabwe tour to manage workload

PHOTO: AFP

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce the squads for Pakistan's upcoming white-ball tours of Australia and Zimbabwe on the same day, with Mohammad Rizwan emerging as a strong candidate to take over as the national team's captain.

Sources reveal that while senior players may feature in the Australia tour, they could be rested for the Zimbabwe tour to manage workload. The PCB is expected to include several fresh faces in the white-ball squad for both tours, signaling opportunities for young talent.

Among the potential inclusions are Omair Bin Yousuf, Irfan Khan Niazi, Kamran Ghulam, Haseebullah, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Mohammad Hasnain. Meanwhile, players like Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, and Iftikhar Ahmed could be omitted from the squad.

As for Pakistan’s star players, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah are expected to play key roles in the Australia tour, though Fakhar Zaman’s participation remains uncertain due to ongoing fitness concerns.

The selection committee, comprising Aqib Javed, Azhar Ali, Aleem Dar, Asad Shafiq, and Hasan Cheema, is reportedly finalizing the squads for both tours. Sources indicate a growing consensus around appointing Mohammad Rizwan as the white-ball captain.

The Pakistan team is scheduled to depart for Melbourne on October 29, with training sessions planned at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 1 and 2. An optional practice session will be held on November 3 ahead of the first ODI on November 4.

Australia White-Ball Series Schedule:

ODI Series

4 November: MCG, Melbourne (D/N)
8 November: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (D/N)
10 November: Perth Stadium, Perth (D/N)

T20I Series

14 November: The Gabba, Brisbane (N)
16 November: SCG, Sydney (N)
18 November: Bellerive Oval, Hobart (N)

After the Australia tour, Pakistan will head to Zimbabwe for a series featuring three ODIs and three T20 matches, giving emerging players a chance to shine from November 20 to December 5.