Babar, Naseem Return as PCB Names Pakistan Squad for Australia ODIs
The Pakistan Cricket Board has named a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match One-Day International series against Australia, with Babar Azam and fast bowler Naseem Shah making prominent returns to the national side. The series is scheduled to run from May 30 to June 4, with matches to be staged in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
The announcement immediately drew major attention from cricket fans because of the return of several experienced players who had missed Pakistan’s previous ODI assignment against Bangladesh in March. Alongside Babar and Naseem, the selectors have also recalled Shadab Khan and Sufyan Moqim, adding experience and variety to the squad ahead of a high-profile home series.
Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead Pakistan in the ODI format, while Salman Ali Agha has been named vice-captain. The squad also includes Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Maaz Sadaqat, Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain and other players as Pakistan looks to balance senior names with developing talent.
According to the PCB’s announcement, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas and Rohail Nazir are among the selected players who are yet to make their ODI debuts for Pakistan. The board also confirmed that Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and Rohail Nazir have been included as wicketkeeper-batters after Usman Khan was not considered because of illness.
The selection also reflects injury-related limitations within Pakistan’s top order. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were unavailable for consideration after being ruled out earlier and will continue their rehabilitation under the supervision of the PCB medical panel. Their absence has created space for other batting options to push for regular places.
Pakistan’s squad will assemble in Islamabad on Friday night before beginning training with the coaching staff on Saturday. Australia’s men’s team is also expected to arrive in Islamabad on Saturday, after which both sides will prepare for the series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and other designated training venues.
The return of Babar Azam is likely to be the biggest talking point among supporters, given his stature in Pakistan cricket and his influence in the batting order. Naseem Shah’s comeback is also significant because Pakistan’s pace attack relies heavily on strike bowlers who can create early pressure and control the game during key phases.
The series carries importance beyond routine bilateral cricket. Pakistan will be looking to build rhythm, test combinations and strengthen bench depth, while Australia’s visit offers local fans another major international contest on home soil. Strong performances from uncapped players could also influence future selection plans.
With the squad now finalised, attention will shift to training, fitness updates and Pakistan’s preferred playing combination for the opening ODI. The coming days will show whether the recalled senior players can quickly settle back into the side and whether emerging names can convert selection into lasting opportunity.