Pakistan’s experienced wicketkeeper and former captain Mohammad Rizwan is likely to be dropped from the upcoming ODI series against Australia, as the team management considers testing new wicketkeeping options.
According to reports, the squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia is being finalized after consultations between the selection committee, head coach Mike Hesson, and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, with Rizwan’s inclusion appearing unlikely.
Sources said Mike Hesson is not in favor of including Mohammad Rizwan in the ODI format following his exclusion from T20 plans, as the management looks to experiment with new combinations for the future.
The 33-year-old Mohammad Rizwan has represented Pakistan in 103 ODIs, scoring 2,979 runs at an average of 40.08, including four centuries and 19 half-centuries.
As a wicketkeeper, he has also taken 113 catches and completed seven stumpings, while he scored 58 runs in the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh in March 2026.
Reports suggest that Ghazi Ghori, who made his batting debut in the third ODI against Bangladesh on March 15, 2026, is also being considered, while either Usman Khan or Mirza Saad Baig may be selected as the second wicketkeeper.
It is worth mentioning that the Australian team will arrive in Islamabad on May 23, while the Pakistan team will begin training in Rawalpindi from May 22 and is also scheduled to play a practice match.
The ODI series between Pakistan and Australia will be played on May 30, June 2, and June 4.
