After registering a humiliating defeat against Bangladesh in a two-match Test series, Pakistan men’s cricket team is set to host Australia in a three-match ODI series. The tour will commence from May 30 in Rawalpindi, with the final ODI set to be played on June 4 in Lahore. But ahead of the upcoming series, the home side has been handed a blow with the unavailability of a few players. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on May 20 announced that opening batters Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman will not be available for selection for the ODI series due to their respective injuries.
However, the nature of their injuries is not defined. It is being reported that both players are dealing with knee and ankle issues. During the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2026), Fakhar Zaman missed matches due to a chronic knee problem, whereas Saim Ayub aggravated an ankle injury.
“The PCB has announced that both players are currently recovering from injuries and have been advised to continue their rehabilitation programmes under the supervision of the PCB medical panel,” PCB said in its statement.
Babar Azam & Sahibzada Farhan in PAK vs AUS ODI
With the series set to commence in less than two weeks’ time, the star T20I batter Sahibzada Farhan is set to get a nod. Farhan made his ODI debut in a 3-match series against Bangladesh, where he scored 64 runs. But he was sensational in PSL 2026 as he scored 380 runs, averaging 42.22. Babar Azam, who had a good PSL season with title-winners Peshawar Zalmi, could also feature in the series.
Pakistan vs Australia ODI series Schedule
| Date | Match Details | Timings (IST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 30, 2026 | 1st ODI | 5:00 pm | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi |
| June 2, 2026 | 2nd ODI | 5:00 pm | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| June 4, 2026 | 3rd ODI | 5:00 pm | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
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