Australia are likely to tour Pakistan without several of their star players as the Indian Premier League (IPL) schedule clashes with the upcoming white-ball series.
According to media reports, Australian players involved in the IPL playoffs are unlikely to be available for the Pakistan tour. ODI captain Pat Cummins is also expected to miss the series due to his IPL commitments.
The report further stated that Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood are also likely to miss the tour. In the absence of senior players, either Mitchell Marsh or Josh Inglis could be appointed captain of the ODI side.
Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne, Adam Zampa, and Alex Carey are being considered for selection in the ODI squad. Labuschagne and Zampa recently featured in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Australia is also expected to rest several fast bowlers because of a busy upcoming Test schedule. Fast bowlers Nathan Ellis and Matthew Renshaw, who have recovered from injuries, may also be included in the touring squad.
The IPL league stage will conclude on May 24, while the playoffs are scheduled from May 26 to May 31. Australia’s ODI squad is expected to arrive in Islamabad on May 23, with the first ODI against Pakistan scheduled for May 30. After the Pakistan tour, Australia will travel to Bangladesh for a white-ball series beginning on June 9.
Australia to visit Pakistan for a three-match ODI series
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Thursday that the Australia men’s cricket team will visit Pakistan for a three-match ODI series later this month.
According to a PCB press release, the Australian squad will arrive in Islamabad on May 23. The opening ODI will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on May 30.
The remaining two matches are scheduled to take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on June 2 and June 4.
The PCB added that all three ODIs will begin at 4:30 pm local time, with the toss at 4 pm.
The board noted that this will be Australia’s first bilateral ODI series in Pakistan since 2022. It also recalled that Australia toured Pakistan earlier this year for a three-match T20I series at Gaddafi Stadium, where Pakistan secured a 3-0 clean sweep.
In addition, Australia participated in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, including a five-wicket victory over England at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on February 22.
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