Mohammad Rizwan Faces Potential Axe Ahead of Australia ODI Series
The Future of Mohammad Rizwan in the Pakistan ODI Setup
As the Pakistan national cricket team prepares for a crucial home series against Australia, significant changes are looming on the horizon. Reports suggest that senior wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan may be left out of the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series. This potential move by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) follows a series of lackluster batting performances that have raised questions about his current form and long-term viability in the 50-over format.
Rizwan’s recent struggles have been well-documented. During the recent tour of Bangladesh, where Pakistan suffered both Test and ODI series defeats, the 34-year-old managed to accumulate only 58 runs across three matches. This downward trend has been consistent, as he also faced difficulty finding his rhythm during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and subsequent away series against New Zealand and the West Indies. While a brief resurgence was noted during a home series against Sri Lanka last November, the consistency that once defined his career has been conspicuously absent.
A Pattern of Declining Form
The potential exclusion of Rizwan would be a significant milestone in his recent career trajectory. Having already fallen out of favor in the T20I setup—with his last appearance in the shortest format dating back to December 2024—the senior batter now risks losing his place in the ODI side as well. The PCB is currently exploring options to inject fresh talent into the squad, with names like Usman Khan and Saad Baig emerging as frontrunners to step into the wicketkeeper-batter role.
However, industry analysts are divided on the reasoning behind this potential benching. While many point to his dip in output as the primary driver, others suggest that the PCB might be opting for a rotation policy. After a grueling schedule involving non-stop international commitments and the intense Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, the board may simply be looking to provide the veteran with a period of rest to recover both physically and mentally.
Major Setbacks: Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub Ruled Out
Rizwan’s uncertain status is compounded by confirmed absences elsewhere in the team. Star opening batters Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub have been officially ruled out of the Australia series due to ongoing injuries. Both players have been directed to undergo rehabilitation programs managed by the PCB medical panel. The loss of Fakhar Zaman, in particular, is viewed as a substantial blow, as he was in dominant form during the PSL 2026 season.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the 2027 World Cup
With Australia set to arrive in Pakistan on Saturday, May 23, the pressure is on the home side to finalize their squad configuration. The three-match series, scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore between May 30 and June 4, serves as an essential testing ground for both nations. As teams begin the long road toward the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa, every selection decision carries immense weight.
For Pakistan, this series represents an opportunity to rebuild and identify the core group that will carry the team forward. Whether Mohammad Rizwan finds his way back into the XI or the board decides to move in a new direction, the upcoming encounters against Australia will undoubtedly provide clarity on the team’s direction for the next two years.
