LAHORE: Experienced Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is likely to be dropped from the upcoming ODI series against Australia national cricket team as the team management considers trying new wicketkeeping options.
According to reports, the squad for the three-match ODI series is being finalized after consultations between head coach Mike Hesson and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, with Rizwan’s inclusion appearing increasingly unlikely.
Sources said Hesson is not in favor of retaining Rizwan in the ODI setup after already moving away from him in T20 cricket.
The 33-year-old Rizwan has scored 2,979 runs in 103 ODIs for Pakistan at an average of 40.08, including four centuries and 19 half-centuries. As a wicketkeeper, he has taken 113 catches and completed seven stumpings.
In Pakistan’s three-match ODI series against Bangladesh national cricket team in March 2026, Rizwan managed 58 runs.
Reports further suggested that Ghazi Ghori, who made his debut as a batter in the third ODI against Bangladesh on March 15, 2026, is likely to remain with the squad for the Australia series. One of Usman Khan or Mirza Saad Baig could also be selected as the second wicketkeeper.
The Australian team is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on May 23, while Pakistan will begin training in Rawalpindi from May 22 and is also expected to play a practice match ahead of the series.
The ODI matches between Pakistan and Australia are scheduled for May 30, June 2 and June 4.
