PCB To Make Wholesale Changes In Pakistan ODI Squad Vs Australia; Babar Azam Verdict Out

Babar Azam [Source: AFP]In a significant development, it has been understood that the PCB selection committee will likely make several bold changes to the Pakistan ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia. After the conclusion of the Test series against Bangladesh, the Pakistani team will lock horns with Australia in a three-match ODI series on home soil. The series opener will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on May 30, with Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium set to host the remaining matches on June 2 and 4, respectively. The PCB selection committee will announce the Pakistan ODI squad vs Australia soon, with Babar Azam likely to make his comeback to the 50-over setup. Babar Azam set to make a comeback in Pakistan ODI squad vs AustraliaTalismanic batter Babar Azam had a forgettable T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in Sri Lanka. With Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub opening the batting, Babar was slotted in the middle-order, a move that severely affected his performance in the tournament. The Lahore-born cricketer could amass only 91 runs at a modest average of 22.75 in the T20 World Cup. His middling returns in the tournament led to Babar's exclusion from the ODI setup as the PCB dropped him from the Pakistani squad against Bangladesh. However, a team full of youngsters couldn't live up to the expectations against Bangladesh's formidable side, with the hosts swatting Pakistan aside by 2-1 in the three-match series. Also Read: Babar Azam Equals Steve Smith’s Massive World Record In WTCSo, considering Babar had a breakthrough PSL campaign and has been impressive with the bat in the ongoing Test series in Bangladesh, the PCB has reportedly decided to include him in the Pakistan ODI squad vs Australia. As reported by Pakistan Observer, Babar's comeback is going to be one of the major highlights of the Pakistan ODI squad vs Australia, which the PCB selection panel will announce in due course. Sufyan Muqeem to return, Hunain Shah could be given a chanceThe report also claims that the PCB might bring left-arm wrist spinner Sufyan Muqeem back to the ODI fold, with Pakistan set to begin their preparations for the 2027 World Cup with the Australia series. The 24-year-old spinner was outstanding with the ball in the PSL 2026, scalping 22 wickets in just 11 matches at a superb strike rate of 12. His remarkable form could earn Muqeem a place in the Pakistan ODI squad vs Australia. On the other hand, Hunain Shah has been in the limelight since the PSL 2026, where he represented Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen with utmost success. The right-arm pacer bagged 17 wickets in 10 innings, playing a pivotal role in powering the newly formed franchise to the final in its maiden appearance. Players who might be dropped from Pakistan ODI squad vs AustraliaThe likes of Shamyl Hussain, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat and Abdul Samad, who let the team down with poor returns, could be dropped from the Pakistan ODI squad vs Australia. In fact, according to emerging reports, several senior players, including Mohammad Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Faheem and Hussain Talat will likely be axed from the Pakistan central contracts, which the PCB will release in the next few days. Therefore, Babar Azam could make a comeback to the ODI team, with Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed likely to form Pakistan's core group in the Australia home series. Also Read: Shakib Al Hasan's Bangladesh Comeback Takes A Hit As Fresh Scam Involvement Surfaces