Ahead of the Australia ODIs, Pakistan have been dealt a crushing blow with openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub being ruled out of the series that gets underway on May 30. The duo are still recuperating from their respective injuries and have been advised to continue their rehabilitation under the supervision of the PCB medical team, prioritising long-term fitness over an early return.
The pair last represented Pakistan during the T20I World Cup 2026 earlier this year before making their return to domestic cricket in Pakistan Super League (PSL). Both the players last appeared for Pakistan in ODIs last year in November in a home series against Sri Lanka. Fakhar Zaman has played 92 ODIs, scoring 3,861 runs, including 11 centuries and 19 half-centuries. On the other hand, Saim Ayub has played 17 ODIs, scoring 751 runs, including three centuries and three half-centuries.
Meanwhile, the first ODI between Pakistan and Australia will be played on May 30, followed by the second and third matches on June 2 and 4, respectively. The opener will be held in Rawalpindi, and the remaining two games will be played in Lahore.