Islamabad: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan may be dropped from the upcoming ODI series against Australia as the team management reportedly considers testing new wicketkeeping options ahead of future international assignments.
According to reports, the national selection committee is finalizing the squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia after consultations between head coach Mike Hesson and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Sources suggest that experienced wicketkeeper and former captain Mohammad Rizwan is unlikely to be included in the ODI squad.
The reports further claim that head coach Mike Hesson is not in favor of Rizwan’s inclusion in ODI cricket following earlier discussions regarding the T20 side as well.
The possible exclusion of Rizwan has surprised many cricket fans given his experience and consistent performances for Pakistan over the years.
The 33-year-old wicketkeeper has represented Pakistan in 103 One Day Internationals, scoring 2,979 runs at an average of 40.08.
His ODI record includes four centuries and 19 half-centuries, making him one of Pakistan’s most reliable middle-order batters in recent years.
As a wicketkeeper, Rizwan has also delivered strong performances behind the stumps, taking 113 catches and completing seven stumpings in ODI cricket.
However, reports indicate that the team management is now looking to build combinations for the future and may want to test younger wicketkeepers before major upcoming tournaments.
Rizwan’s recent ODI form has also reportedly come under discussion. During the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in March 2026, he scored only 58 runs.
According to sources, one of the players under consideration is Ghazi Ghori, who made his ODI debut as a batter during the third ODI against Bangladesh on March 15, 2026, and was also part of Pakistan’s Test squad during the Bangladesh series.
For the second wicketkeeper’s slot, selectors are reportedly considering either Usman Khan or Mirza Saad Baig for the Australia series.
Cricket analysts believe the possible changes reflect the management’s intention to experiment with fresh combinations and assess younger talent before major international competitions.
The upcoming series against Australia is expected to be an important challenge for Pakistan as the team enters a new phase under revised coaching and leadership structures.
Meanwhile, the Australian cricket team is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on May 23 for the ODI series.
Pakistan’s squad will begin its training camp in Rawalpindi from May 22, where the players are also expected to participate in a practice match before the start of the series.
The three ODI matches between Pakistan and Australia are scheduled to be played on May 30, June 2, and June 4.
Fans and former cricketers have already started debating the possibility of Rizwan’s exclusion, with some supporting the idea of giving opportunities to younger players, while others believe his experience and consistency remain valuable for Pakistan’s ODI side.
No official squad announcement has yet been made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), but expectations are growing that the upcoming selection could signal a significant shift in Pakistan’s white-ball strategy under the new management setup.
