![Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan team [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1779516474127_Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan team.jpg)
Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistan team [Source: AFP]
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. The three-match series will begin on May 30 and will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore until June 4.
However, soon after the squad announcement, discussions and criticism started spreading rapidly on social media. Notably, the new ODI squad includes several major changes.
These changes came after Pakistan’s disappointing Test series defeat against Bangladesh, which increased pressure on the selectors and team management.
Big Changes In Pakistan’s ODI Squad vs Australia
One of the biggest talking points was the exclusion of Rizwan from the ODI squad. Although Rizwan performed well in the recent Test series, his poor ODI form in Bangladesh earlier this year seems to have worked against him. In that series, he managed only 58 runs in three matches.
At the same time, players like Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, and Sufyan Moqim have returned to the squad after missing the ODI tour of Bangladesh in March. Furthermore, left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue leading the side.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, and Rohail Nazir have received their maiden ODI call-ups.
Khushdil Shah Reposts Tweet Slamming PCB
Amid the growing debate, Pakistan batter Khushdil Shah created fresh controversy with his recent social media activity. The 31-year-old cricketer reposted a tweet that strongly criticized PCB’s selection decisions.
The reposted tweet questioned the inclusion of Shadab Khan and the exclusion of Rizwan. The tweet read, “What the hell is wrong with the PCB? How on earth is Shadab still considered relevant in ODIs in 2026? This is a joke with Pakistan fans. They are really mocking us now.
Was this not a series to test a young pacer like Ali Raza or Ubaid Shah? And are we convinced that the Rizwan chapter is closed in ODIs? So his replacements, Rohail and Ghouri, would perfectly justify his replacement? Where is Saad Masood? You selected him in the previous series and now dropped him? Were you wrong then, or are you wrong now?”
Also Read: Mohammad Rizwan vs Litton Das- Pakistan Player Labels Rizwan Frustrating
As expected, the repost quickly went viral on social media. Consequently, fans started debating whether Khushdil intentionally shared the tweet or whether it was simply an accident.
Khushdil Shah’s Frustration With PCB
Interestingly, this is not the first time Khushdil Shah has indirectly criticised the PCB. Last month, he openly questioned the team management and selectors over his exclusion from the national side despite being in good form.
Although Khushdil has not played for Pakistan since the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 match against the UAE, he remained active in domestic cricket. In PSL 2026, the all-rounder scored 109 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 137.97.
Therefore, many supporters believe the batter feels frustrated over being ignored repeatedly despite contributing in franchise cricket.
Pakistan Team Begins Preparations
The Pakistan squad is scheduled to assemble in Islamabad on Friday before starting its training camp under head coach Mike Hesson on May 23. On the other hand, the Australian team is also expected to arrive in Islamabad on the same day.
Also Read: Explained: How Can Punjab Kings Finish 4th In IPL 2026 Playoffs Race?
