Pakistan Announce 16-Man ODI Squad for Australia as Babar and Rauf Return

Pakistan have announced a 16-man squad for their home ODI series against Australia, with Babar Azam and Haris Rauf among the senior names brought back into the 50-over side.

Leadership and recalls

Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue as captain, with all-rounder Salman Ali Agha named as his deputy. Babar and several other experienced players have been recalled after missing the previous ODI series against Bangladesh.

Three uncapped names

The squad includes three players yet to debut in ODIs for Pakistan: Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas and Rohail Nazir. Daniyal and Minhas have appeared in T20Is before, but this is their first call-up to an ODI group. Two opening batters are absent through injury, which means Sahibzada Farhan keeps his place.

Context for the series

Pakistan arrive on the back of a tough period, having lost to Bangladesh in both the ODI and Test formats. Australia, meanwhile, are travelling with a rotated squad under Mitchell Marsh, with some key fast bowlers rested. It is Australia’s first ODI assignment in Pakistan since 2022, when the visitors lost the three-match series 2-1.

Squad and fixtures

Pakistan 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.

• 1st ODI: May 30, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
• 2nd ODI: June 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 3rd ODI: June 4, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore