Mohammad Rizwan axed, Babar Azam recalled as Pakistan announce squad for Australia ODIs

The Pakistan cricket team's selection process resembles a high-stakes game of musical chairs once again with the announcement of a drastically revamped 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match home ODI series against Australia, set to begin on May 30. The roster is highlighted by two contrasting decisions: the high-profile return of former Pakistan captain Babar Azam to the lineup, and the stunning omission of veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan.

Pakistan's ODI squad announced for Australia series

This aggressive squad overhaul comes immediately after Pakistan suffered a demoralizing 0-2 Test series whitewash against Bangladesh. Paradoxically, Rizwan was one of the solitary bright spots for the team during that challenging red-ball campaign, showing immense grit while other batsmen crumbled. Despite his Test form, he has ultimately been dropped as punishment for a temporary dry spell in the 50-over format.

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Rizwan's exclusion stems directly from an away ODI series against Bangladesh in March, where the seasoned keeper lacked rhythm and scraped together a meager 58 runs across three matches. However, dropping him so quickly underscores the notoriously volatile and reactionary nature of Pakistan's selection panel. Only a year prior, Rizwan was a cornerstone of the batting order, anchoring the team with 569 runs across 17 ODIs at a brilliant average of 43.76, a stretch that included a century and four fifties.

Mohammad Rizwan out, Babar Azam in

Meanwhile, Babar Azam rides the selection carousel right back into the squad to fortify the top order after his own baffling stint on the sidelines. Babar was dropped from the Bangladesh ODIs in March following an identical knee-jerk reaction by the selectors to his poor performance in the T20 World Cup. Just like the current confusion surrounding Rizwan’s axing, Babar’s previous exclusion completely ignored a phenomenal 2025 ODI campaign in which he dominated opposing bowling attacks, smashing 544 runs in 17 matches at an elite average of 77.16.

The exclusion of Mohammad Rizwan has forced a major strategic pivot behind the stumps, with the selection committee naming Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and the uncapped Rohail Nazir as the two designated wicketkeeper-batsmen for the upcoming series. This dramatic restructuring of the glovework responsibilities was fast-tracked after dynamic top-order batter Usman Khan was completely sidelined from consideration. Suffering from an ongoing illness, Usman's unavailability left the selectors with no choice but to aggressively look at fresh, alternative options to fill the void.

While the wicketkeeping slot undergoes a total overhaul, left-arm speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi provides continuity by retaining his role as captain. He will lead a heavily reinforced squad that sees the return of several of Pakistan’s frontline international stars. In addition to Babar Azam’s high-profile comeback, the team's core strength receives a massive boost with the recalls of premier fast bowler Naseem Shah, versatile all-rounder Shadab Khan, and young spinner Sufyan Moqim, all of whom missed out on the previous tour of Bangladesh in March.

However, persistent injury concerns continue to throw a wrench into Pakistan’s structural planning just as the home summer gets underway. The team will be without the services of explosive veteran opener Fakhar Zaman and promising youngster Saim Ayub, both of whom were ruled out of selection as they remain under the care of the PCB medical panel for their respective rehabilitation programs. To compensate for these forced absences, the selectors have opted to test their bench strength by handing maiden senior squad call-ups to uncapped prospects Ahmed Daniyal and Arafat Minhas.

Pakistan's squad for ODI series against Australia

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 (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain and Sufyan Moqim