LAHORE: Australia is expected to tour Pakistan with a relatively inexperienced squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series, with several senior players likely to miss the tour.
According to reports, many of Australia’s top cricketers are currently involved in the IPL, while a few veteran players are being rested ahead of the upcoming Test season.
Several key Australian white-ball players are expected to miss the Pakistan series due to Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments, which conclude with the final in Ahmedabad on May 31.
However, players from already relegated teams may still have time to join the team.
Mitch Marsh, Josh Inglis and Cameron Green may be available earlier, while others may join the Bangladesh tour depending on the playoff results.
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc will not play in both the series, with Travis Head focusing on the Test. Marsh is likely to lead Australia’s ODI side in Cummins’ absence, with Josh Inglis also in contention as a stand-in captain.
Youngster Oliver Peak is expected to be included in Australia’s ODI squad for Pakistan tour. Victoria Batter could become one of Australia’s youngest ODI debutants if selected in the batting XI.
All-rounder Liam Scott is also expected to make the squad, while pacer Billy Stanlake will return to the national set-up after six years away.
Australia’s men’s team will arrive in Islamabad on May 23 ahead of the first ODI against Pakistan on May 30 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The next two ODIs of the series will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on June 2 and 4 respectively. All matches will start at 4.30pm local time and the toss will be held at 4pm.
The upcoming bilateral ODI series will be Australia’s first 50-over tour of Pakistan since March-April 2022, when the Men in Green clinched the series 2-1.
Earlier this year, Australia traveled to Pakistan for a three-match T20I series in January and February, where the hosts secured a 3-0 whitewash at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Australia also toured Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, registering a five-wicket win over England at the same venue on 22 February.