PCB selects distinct ODI and T20I lineups and rests top players for rotation policy ahead of ICC tournaments
Lahore, October 27 — The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced two separate 15-member squads for upcoming white-ball series in Australia and Zimbabwe, where Pakistan will play three ODIs and three T20Is each in November and December. Star players Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, rested in recent Test matches, are set to return for the Australian series but will sit out the Zimbabwe matches, underscoring Pakistan’s rotation strategy in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy.
Key Matches and Schedule
- Australia Tour: November 4-18, starting in Melbourne
- Zimbabwe Tour: November 24-December 5, hosted in Bulawayo
This approach by the PCB allows for flexibility, granting established players recovery time and offering domestic players valuable international exposure. Mohammad Rizwan will be part of all Australian matches and Zimbabwe ODIs but will be rested for Zimbabwe T20Is.
New Faces and Returning Performers
Several players will make national squad debuts during these tours, including domestic cricket standouts. Key inclusions are:
- ODI Uncapped Players: Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Haseebullah, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Saim Ayub.
- T20I Newcomers: Jahandad Khan and Salman Ali Agha.
Fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain, a top performer in Faisalabad’s recent Champions One-Day Cup with 17 wickets, also rejoins the ODI squad after last playing in January 2023 against New Zealand.
Rotation Strategy in Action
The PCB emphasized its rotation strategy, noting that resting Babar, Naseem, and Shaheen from the Zimbabwe series allows promising domestic players to gain experience and sustains squad fitness for future tournaments. Players like Haseebullah, Haris Rauf, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Salman Ali Agha will play across both formats from Australia through Zimbabwe.
Squads Overview
- ODI Squad (Australia): Led by Babar Azam, the squad includes Abdullah Shafique, Aamir Jamal, and seasoned pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.
- T20I Squad (Australia): Featuring Babar, Haris Rauf, and all-rounder Jahandad Khan, with Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan strengthening the batting lineup.
- Zimbabwe ODI Squad: Mohammad Rizwan and pace duo Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain will lead, joined by emerging talents like Aamir Jamal and Haseebullah.
- Zimbabwe T20I Squad: Players include Ahmed Daniyal, Haseebullah, and Jahandad Khan, as well as up-and-comers Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan.
Match Schedule and Venues
- Australia ODIs: MCG (Nov 4), Adelaide Oval (Nov 8), Perth Stadium (Nov 10)
- Australia T20Is: Gabba (Nov 14), SCG (Nov 16), Bellerive Oval (Nov 18)
- Zimbabwe ODIs: Bulawayo (Nov 24, 26, 28)
- Zimbabwe T20Is: Bulawayo (Dec 1, 3, 5)
Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, Gary Kirsten, will meet the team in Melbourne on October 28, alongside seven squad members departing from Pakistan.
