The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming limited-overs series against Australia, set to take place from November 3 to November 17, 2024.

ODI series schedule

The limited-overs series between Pakistan and Australia kicks off with the 1st ODI scheduled for November 4, 2024, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Following that, the 2nd ODI will take place on November 8, 2024, at Adelaide Oval, showcasing the teams’ strategies in a vibrant cricketing atmosphere. The ODI series concludes with the 3rd ODI on November 10, 2024, held at Perth Stadium, where both teams will look to finalize their lineups ahead of the T20I matches.

T20I series schedule

The action continues with the 1st T20I set for November 14, 2024, at The Gabba in Brisbane, promising an exciting clash under the floodlights. The 2nd T20I is scheduled for November 16, 2024, at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground, a venue known for its electrifying atmosphere and passionate support. Finally, the 3rd T20I will take place on November 18, 2024, at Bellerive Oval in Hobart, wrapping up the series with a finale/

Return of the key players: Babar Azam and others

This series marks the highly anticipated return of several key players, including former captain Babar Azam, and top pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. Both Afridi and Shah had been given breaks during the final two Tests against England, allowing them to recuperate and prepare for this crucial series. Their inclusion is pivotal, as they are among Pakistan’s most influential players, capable of changing the game’s dynamics with their batting and bowling prowess. With the ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon, their experience and skill will be invaluable for the team’s performance in Australia, particularly in conditions that typically favor pace bowlers.

New faces in the squad

In a strategic move aimed at revitalizing the squad and nurturing talent, the PCB has introduced several new players who have shown promise in the domestic circuit. Kamran Ghulam, Omair Bin Yousuf, and Sufyan Moqim are all set to make their international debuts, highlighting the selectors’ commitment to fostering emerging talent. Additionally, Jahandad Khan and Salman Ali Agha are being welcomed into the T20I squad for the first time.

The selection committee has also opted to include a number of uncapped players in the ODI squad, with Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Haseebullah, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Saim Ayub receiving their first call-ups. This decision reflects the PCB’s strategy to provide opportunities to domestic performers who have excelled in recent tournaments, thereby ensuring a pipeline of talent that can step up to international cricket.

Strategic planning ahead of the Champions Trophy

The PCB stated that this selection aligns with their rotation policy and aims to provide domestic performers with a platform to showcase their talents at the international level. This proactive approach is especially pertinent as the team prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy, where adaptability and a well-rounded squad are essential.

With key players such as Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi set to depart for Melbourne soon, the PCB is ensuring that the team is adequately prepared for the challenges ahead. White-ball coach Gary Kirsten will also join the squad in Australia, providing strategic insights and expertise that could be instrumental in refining the team’s tactics and performance throughout the series.

Pakistan squad for Australia ODIs

Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Pakistan squad for Australia T20Is

Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Usman Khan

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