of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced their squads for the upcoming limited overs series against Australiascheduled to take place from November 3 to November 17, 2024.
ODI Series Schedule
The limited-overs series between Pakistan and Australia will begin with the first ODI scheduled for November 4, 2024, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. After that, the second ODI will take place on November 8, 2024, at the Adelaide Oval, showcasing the teams’ strategies in a lively cricketing atmosphere. The ODI series concludes with the third ODI on November 10, 2024, held at the Perth Stadium, where both teams will look to finalize their lineups ahead of the T20Is.
T20I Series Schedule
The action continues with the first T20I set for November 14, 2024, at The Gabba in Brisbane, promising an exciting clash under the floodlights. The second 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 third T20I will be played on November 18, 2024, at Bellerive Oval in Hobart, concluding the series with a final.
Return of key players: Babar Azam and others
This series marks the long-awaited return of several key players, including the former captain Babar Azamand ball pacers Shaheen Afridi AND Naseem Shah. Both Afridi and Naseem had been rested during the last two Tests against Englandallowing them to recover and prepare for this crucial series. Their inclusion is essential as they are among Pakistan’s most influential players, capable of changing the dynamic of the 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 usually favor pace bowlers.
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New faces in the team
In a strategic move aimed at reviving the squad and nurturing talent, the PCB has introduced several young players who have shown promise in the domestic circuit. Kamran Ghulam, Omair Bin Yousuf AND Sufjan Moqim are set to make their international debut, highlighting the selectors’ commitment to fostering emerging talent. Furthermore, Jahandad Khan AND Salman Ali Agha have been welcomed into the T20I squad for the first time.
The selection committee has also chosen to include a number of non-football players in the ODI squad, with Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Haseebullah, Muhammad Irfan Khan AND Saim Ayub taking the first calls. 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 who can progress to international cricket.
Strategic planning ahead of the Champions Trophy
The PCB stated that this selection is in line with their rotation policy and aims to provide local performers a platform to showcase their talents at the international level. This proactive approach is particularly important as the team prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy, where fitness and a complete squad are essential.
“This approach follows the selectors’ rotation policy and provides opportunities for local performers, aligning with the team’s strategy for the ICC Champions Trophy and beyond.” PCB said in a press release
With key players like Babar, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan KhanWith Naseem and Afridi set to leave 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 insight and expertise that can be useful in refining 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, October 28, while the remaining ODI players will leave on Tuesday, October 29. Pakistan’s white-ball coach Gary Kirsten will join the team in Melbourne on October 28. the statement concluded.
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, Khan