Rizwan To Replace Babar Azam As Captain! PCB To Announce Squad Against Australia Soon

October 19, 2024: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce the squad for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia soon, and there are strong indications that Mohammad Rizwan could succeed Babar Azam as the captain of Pakistan’s white-ball teams.

According to sources, Rizwan is currently the top choice of the selection committee, but a final decision will be made by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi in consultation with other officials and selectors.

Additionally, fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain is likely to make a comeback to Pakistan’s ODI squad. Hasnain last played in the 50-over format against New Zealand in January 2023. All-rounder Aamir Jamal and wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah are also being considered for inclusion in the squad.

The series will commence on November 4, 2024, with the first ODI at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The second ODI is scheduled for November 8 at Adelaide Oval, and the final ODI will take place on November 10 at Optus Stadium in Perth. The ODI series will be followed by three T20Is on November 14, 16, and 18.

Before heading to Australia, Pakistan will play a crucial Test match against England in Rawalpindi starting on October 24, 2024.

For Australia, Pat Cummins will captain the squad, but key players like Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green will be unavailable. Marsh and Head will miss the series due to paternity leave, while Green is sidelined due to a back surgery. Josh Inglis has been named the sole wicketkeeper for the Australian squad, with Alex Carey not selected for this series.

Australia ODI squad for Pakistan series:

• Pat Cummins (captain)
• Sean Abbott
• Cooper Connolly
• Jake Fraser-McGurk
• Aaron Hardie
• Josh Hazlewood
• Josh Inglis
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Glenn Maxwell
• Matthew Short
• Steve Smith
• Mitchell Starc
• Marcus Stoinis
• Adam Zampa