LAHORE: Pakistan have suffered a significant setback ahead of their upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia, with opening batters Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub ruled out due to injuries.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Wednesday that both players are currently undergoing rehabilitation under the supervision of the board’s medical panel and will not be available for selection for the three-match ODI series.
“The PCB wishes both players a speedy recovery and looks forward to seeing them return to competitive cricket at the earliest opportunity,” the board said in an official statement. “Further updates regarding the squad and player fitness will be shared in due course.”
The series against Australia is scheduled to begin on May 30 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the remaining two matches will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on June 2 and 4.
Saim Ayub’s absence comes as a major blow for Pakistan after the young opener enjoyed a remarkable rise in ODI cricket since making his debut in 2024.
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The left-handed batter has amassed 751 runs in 17 ODIs at an impressive average of 46.93 and a strike-rate of 100, including three centuries and three half-centuries.
Meanwhile, experienced opener Fakhar Zaman has been one of Pakistan’s key ODI batters since debuting in 2017 and has scored 3,861 runs in 92 matches at an average of 45.42, registering 11 centuries and 19 fifties.
On the other hand, Cricket Australia (CA) have named a relatively inexperienced squad for the Pakistan tour, with teenage batter Oliver Peake and all-rounder Liam Scott earning maiden international call-ups.
Regular captain Pat Cummins, along with senior fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, were omitted from the squad as Australia opted to test their bench strength in the 50-over format.
Mitchell Marsh will lead the side, which also includes Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Adam Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne, among others.
Australia ODI squad for Pakistan series
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Riley Meredith, Oliver Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Matt Short, Billy Stanlake and Adam Zampa.
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