Pakistan have announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Australia, set to begin on 30 May 2026. The much-anticipated Pakistan vs Australia ODI series will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore, featuring some of the biggest names in international cricket alongside exciting young talent.
The National Men’s Selection Committee confirmed the squad ahead of Australia’s arrival in Islamabad on 23 May, with left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi continuing as captain of the ODI side.
The ODI series is expected to attract massive attention from cricket fans as Pakistan prepare to take on one of the world’s strongest white-ball teams on home soil.
Babar Azam, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan Return to Pakistan ODI Squad
Pakistan have recalled several senior players who missed the away ODI series against Bangladesh in March. Former captain Babar Azam returns to strengthen the batting lineup, while pace stars Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah also make their comeback.
All-rounder Shadab Khan and spinner Sufyan Moqim have also been recalled, adding balance and depth to the squad ahead of the crucial series against Australia.
Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the side, while Salman Ali Agha has been appointed vice-captain.
The return of experienced players is expected to significantly boost Pakistan’s chances against a strong Australian outfit.
Three Uncapped Players Included in Pakistan Squad
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selectors have also rewarded emerging domestic performers by including three uncapped players in the ODI squad.
Fast bowler Ahmed Daniyal, young all-rounder Arafat Minhas, and wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir are all in line to potentially make their ODI debuts during the series.
The inclusion of fresh talent reflects Pakistan’s continued focus on building bench strength and preparing the next generation of cricketers for international competition.
Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub Ruled Out Due to Injuries
Pakistan will, however, miss key opening batters Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, who remain unavailable due to injuries. According to the PCB, both players are continuing their rehabilitation programs under the supervision of the board’s medical panel.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan was not considered for selection because of illness.
The absence of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub creates opportunities for younger batters to impress against Australia in the ODI series.
Pakistan ODI Squad for Australia Series 2026
The 16-member Pakistan squad for the ODI series against Australia includes:
- Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain)
- Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain)
- Abdul Samad
- Abrar Ahmed
- Ahmed Daniyal
- Arafat Minhas
- Babar Azam
- Haris Rauf
- Maaz Sadaqat
- Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper)
- Naseem Shah
- Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper)
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Shadab Khan
- Shamyl Hussain
- Sufyan Moqim
Pakistan Team Management for Australia ODI Series
Pakistan’s team management for the ODI series includes an experienced coaching and support staff led by head coach Mike Hesson.
Team Management Staff:
- Naveed Akram Cheema – Manager
- Mike Hesson – Head Coach
- Ashley Noffke – Bowling Coach
- Hanif Malik – Batting Coach
- Shane McDermott – Fielding Coach
- Iftikhar – Physiotherapist
- Grant Luden – Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Talha Ejaz – Analyst
- Syed Naeem Ahmad – Media Manager
- Col. Usman Anwari – Security Manager
- Dr. Wajid Ali Rafai – Team Doctor
- Muhammad Ehsan – Masseur
Pakistan vs Australia ODI Series Schedule 2026
The Pakistan vs Australia ODI series will begin in Rawalpindi before moving to Lahore for the final two matches.
Full Series Schedule:
- 23 May 2026 – Australia arrive in Islamabad
- 30 May 2026 – 1st ODI, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- 2 June 2026 – 2nd ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- 4 June 2026 – 3rd ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
All matches will start at 4:30 PM local time.
Pakistan Aim to Build Momentum Ahead of Major ICC Events
The ODI series against Australia will serve as an important opportunity for Pakistan to test combinations, assess squad depth, and build momentum ahead of upcoming international tournaments.
With the return of experienced stars like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan, alongside promising newcomers, Pakistan will look to make a strong statement against Australia in front of home fans.
Cricket experts believe the series could also play a key role in shaping Pakistan’s long-term ODI plans as the team continues its transition under new leadership and coaching management.
