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LAHORE: Pakistan wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan is reportedly likely to miss selection for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, sources revealed on Thursday, as the national selectors weigh major changes in the white-ball setup.
The series is scheduled to begin on May 30 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with the remaining two matches to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium on June 2 and 4.
Pakistan have already been hit with injury setbacks ahead of the series, with openers Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman ruled out of the squad.
According to sources, the selection committee is working closely with head coach Mike Hesson and captain Shaheen Afridi to finalise the squad, with Rizwan’s place in the ODI side now looking increasingly uncertain.
Reports further suggest that Hesson is not in favour of Rizwan’s inclusion in the ODI setup, indicating a possible strategic shift in Pakistan’s white-ball direction.
The wicketkeeper-batter is also reportedly not part of long-term plans for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027, scheduled in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Rizwan has represented Pakistan in 103 ODIs, scoring 2,979 runs at an average of 40.80, including four centuries and 19 half-centuries. Behind the stumps, he has taken 113 catches and effected seven stumpings.
Meanwhile, selectors are also assessing wicketkeeping options for the series. Ghazi Ghori, who made his ODI debut earlier this year as a specialist batter, is being considered for retention.
For the backup wicketkeeper role, the selectors are reportedly weighing options between Usman Khan, who has featured in two ODIs, and uncapped youngster Mirza Saad Baig.
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