Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson is not in favour of including wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan to the national ODI side, with reports suggesting that he could also be left out of the 2027 ODI World Cup squad.
According to reports, Rizwan’s exclusion from the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore, looks highly likely as selectors finalise the squad in consultation with Hesson and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The development signals a significant shift in Pakistan’s white-ball direction, with Hesson apparently looking to move on from Rizwan following decisions already made in the T20 format.
For the wicketkeeper slot, selectors are reportedly weighing their options between Usman Khan and Mirza Saad Baig.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s squad preparations come amid a string of injury concerns. Openers Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman are both unavailable for the series, adding further pressure on the selection committee ahead of the high-profile home assignment.
On a positive note, uncapped batter Ghazi Ghori is being considered for retention in the squad.
Rizwan has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s ODI cricket for years, appearing in 103 matches, scoring 2,979 runs at an average of 40.08, with four centuries and 19 half-centuries. Behind the stumps, he has taken 113 catches and effected seven stumpings.
In his last ODI assignment against Bangladesh in March 2026, he managed to score 58 runs in the three-match series.
Australia are scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on May 23 while Pakistan’s squad begins training in Rawalpindi from May 22, which will include a practice match.
The three ODIs are scheduled for May 30, June 2 and June 4.
