The Australian cricket team has arrived in Islamabad, marking the start of their much-anticipated tour of Pakistan.
The visiting squad landed in the federal capital amid tight security arrangements, with local authorities ensuring smooth movement from the airport to the team’s designated hotel. Officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board welcomed the Australian players and team management at the airport.
The arrival has generated excitement among cricket fans, who are eagerly waiting for the international action to begin.
The three-match ODI series will begin at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on May 30, while the second and third matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on June 2 and June 4, respectively.
Security arrangements are expected to be tightened in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore during the team’s visit, with possible traffic disruptions and temporary road closures anticipated during official movements.
Authorities are expected to implement strict security arrangements during the team’s movement between venues. Citizens in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore have been advised to remain prepared for possible temporary road closures and traffic disruptions.
It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, scheduled to begin on May 30 in Rawalpindi.
The series will be played across Rawalpindi and Lahore, with the final match set for June 4 at Gaddafi Stadium.
Shaheen Afridi to lead side
Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to captain the ODI side, while Salman Ali Agha has been named vice-captain for the series.
Senior players Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and Sufyan Moqim have been recalled to the squad after missing the ODI series against Bangladesh earlier this year.
Three uncapped players included
Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas and Rohail Nazir are the three players selected in the squad who are yet to make their ODI debut for Pakistan.
Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and Rohail Nazir have been picked as the two wicketkeeper-batters after Usman Khan was ruled out due to illness.
Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were not considered for selection as both players continue rehabilitation from injuries under the supervision of the PCB medical panel.
Training camp to begin in Islamabad
The Pakistan squad will assemble in Islamabad and begin training sessions from May 23 under the supervision of the coaching staff.
The Australian men’s team is also set to arrive in Islamabad on May 23 and will hold practice sessions at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the ODI series.
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