The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have officially announced their squads for the upcoming limited-over series AustraliaIt will be held from November 3 to November 17, 2024.
ODI series schedule
The limited-overs series between Pakistan and Australia will begin with the 1st ODI scheduled on 4 November 2024 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The 2nd ODI will then showcase the teams’ strategies in a live cricket atmosphere at the Adelaide Oval on 8 November 2024. The ODI series concludes with the 3rd ODI at the Perth Stadium on November 10, 2024, where both teams will look to finalize their squads ahead of the T20I matches.
T20I series schedule
The action continues with the 1st T20I on November 14, 2024 at The Gabba in Brisbane, which promises to be an exciting clash under the floodlights. The 2nd T20I is scheduled for 16 November 2024 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, a venue known for its electrifying atmosphere and passionate support. Finally, the 3rd T20I will take place on 18 November 2024 at Bellerive Oval in Hobart and conclude the series with the final.
Return of key players: Babar Azam and others
This series marks the much-awaited return of several key players, including the former captain Babar Azamand top pacers Shaheen Afridi and Nasim Shah. Both Afridi and Nasim were suspended during the last two Tests Englandallowing them to recover and prepare for this important series. Their inclusion is crucial as they are among Pakistan’s most influential players, capable of changing the dynamics of a game with their batting and bowling skills. with ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, their experience and skill will be invaluable to the team’s performance in Australia, especially in conditions that favor pace bowlers.
Also READ: Cricket Australia overturns David Warner’s captaincy ban for life
New faces in the squad
In a strategic move aimed at rejuvenating the squad and nurturing talent, the PCB has introduced several promising new players in the domestic circuit. Kamran Ghulam, Omair Bin Yousuf and Sufyan Mogim All of them are set to make their international debut, underscoring the selectors’ commitment to fostering emerging talent. In addition, Jahandad Khan and Salman Ali Agha for the first time they are accepted into the T20I squad.
The selection committee also chose to include a number of uncapped players in the ODI squad. Amir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Hasebullah, Muhammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub they receive their first summons. The 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 make the leap to international cricket.
Strategic planning before the Champions Cup
PCB stated that this selection is in line with their rotation policy and aims to provide a platform for local performers to showcase their talent at the international level. This proactive approach is especially relevant as the team prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy, where adaptability and an all-round team are essential.
“This approach is in line with the selectors’ rotation policy and aligns with the team’s strategy for the ICC Champions Trophy and beyond, providing opportunities for local performers.” PCB press release said
With key players like Babar, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Muhammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan KhanWith Naseem and Afridi set to leave for Melbourne soon, the PCB is ensuring the team is adequately prepared for the challenges ahead. White ball coach Gary Kirsten he will also join the staff in Australia, providing strategic insights and expertise that can be instrumental in improving the team’s tactics and performance throughout the series.
“Seven members of the ODI squad – Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi – will leave for Melbourne on Monday 28 October, while the rest of the ODI players will leave on Tuesday 29. October. Pakistan’s white ball coach Gary Kirsten will join the team in Melbourne on October 28.” concluded the statement.
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, Us Khan