LAHORE: Experienced wicketkeeper-batsman and former captain Mohammad Rizwan is likely to be dropped from Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia.
Sources reveal that head coach Mike Hesson is not in favor of retaining the 33-year-old for the 50-over format, following a similar stance in T20Is.
The final squad is being finalized after consultations between Hesson, selection committee members, and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Rizwan, who has scored 2,979 runs in 103 ODIs at an average of 40.08—including 4 centuries and 19 fifties—managed only 58 runs during the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in March 2026.
With Rizwan expected to sit out, the selectors are looking at younger alternatives behind the stumps.
Ghazi Ghauri, who made his ODI debut as a specialist batsman against Bangladesh on March 15, 2026, and was part of the Test squad, is expected to feature.
For the second wicketkeeper slot, the management is considering either Usman Khan or Mirza Saad Baig.
The Australian team is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on May 23. Meanwhile, the Pakistan squad will begin their training camp in Rawalpindi on May 22, which includes a practice match.
The three ODIs between Pakistan and Australia are scheduled to be played on May 30, June 2, and June 4.
