Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to rest Babar Azam ahead of Pakistan's second Test clash against West Indies starting on January 25. The host nation went on to register a crushing win by a margin of 127 runs but the star Pakistani batter endured a lean patch scoring just eight and five on a difficult Multan surface. With the Champions Trophy lined up around the corner, Pakistan have a lot to play for and the 50-year-old feels that Babar should be kept fresh so that he can hit the ground running during the marquee event.

See also: Cricket's Next Fab Four: Former England Players Make Their Picks

Basit advises PCB to rest Babar in the ongoing West Indies Test series

With South Africa and Australia booking their spots for the World Championship Finale, the ongoing two-match Test series between Pakistan and West Indies is nothing but a dead rubber. Pakistan has remotely no chance of making it to the top summit and Basit finds the ploy to play Babar in this dead rubber baffling.

“Pakistan is ruining Babar’s confidence when he has found his rhythm. Pakistan are not going to qualify for the final of the WTC and Babar should be rested. If you want to keep him in the Playing XI, prepare good tracks.” 

Babar Azam previously found some form in the recently concluded Test series with South Africa where he showcased promising signs of returning to his fluent best. Basit does not want Babar's regained form to recede and also wants the PCB to prepare good batting tracks for him should they decide to persist with him.

Basit also advises rest for Rizwan 

Apart from Babar, Basit also advises Pakistan's white-ball skipper Mohammed Rizwan to rest for the remainder of the Test series. Rizwan has been a class act for Pakistan in the white-ball format. The crafty wicket-keeper batsman has been amongst the runs of late and has been immensely revered by the cricketing fraternity in Pakistan for his marvelous achievements ever since he assumed the captaincy role in October last year.

“Not only Babar but Mohammad Rizwan should also be rested before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. If the pitch is similar to the first Test, their confidence will go down. Babar struggled in the first Test. He found his lost form in South Africa and scored runs in ODIs and Tests.”

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 draft happened in Lahore on Monday, January 13. This is the place where teams picked well-known cricket players such as Kane Williamson and David Warner. The dates for the tournament are from April 8 to May 19, and it's happening at the same time as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Tournament Details of PSL 2025

PSL 2025 Draft Format:

• Platinum Category: Reduced to two picks per team (previously three).
• Diamond Category: Reduced to one pick per team (previously three).
• Gold Category: Adjusted to two picks per team.
• Silver Category: Adjusted to three picks per team

Full Squads of PSL 2025

Quetta Gladiators

Karachi Kings

Islamabad United

Multan Sultans

Peshawar Zalmi

Lahore Qalandars

ALSO READ: Kane Williamson Joins Karachi Kings in Supplementary Round, Reunites with David Warner

Lahore Qalandars

Key players: Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Daryl Mitchell, Sikandar Raza.

Peshawar Zalmi

Key players: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Alzarri Joseph, Najibullah Zadran.

Multan Sultans

Key players: Mohammad Rizwan, Chris Jordan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Josh Little, David Willey.

Islamabad United

Key players: Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, Jason Holder, Colin Munro, Rassie van der Dussen.

Karachi Kings

Key players: David Warner, Kane Williamson, Adam Milne, James Vince, Litton Das.

Quetta Gladiators

Key players: Rilee Rossouw, Finn Allen, Mohammad Amir, Kyle Jamieson, Sean Abbott.

Full Schedule of PSL 2025

PSL 2025 Playoff and Eliminator Schedule

Timing of PSL 10 2025 Matches

The PCB has changed the HBL PSL 10 schedule for 2025, so it works better for fans and players. They have really considered Ramadan, which is an important issue in Pakistan. To make sure everyone has time for iftar during Ramadan, the games will start later at 9:00 PM.

Normally though, the first game is on April 8, and it begins at 7:00 PM, but they'll do the coin toss at 6:30 PM. This shows the PCB is trying to keep the tournament respectful of cultural and religious customs.

Babar Azam vs. Wiaan Mulder: High Drama in Pakistan vs. South Africa Clash

In the ongoing match between Pakistan and South Africa at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, star batter Babar Azam has hogged the limelight. The incident that caught everyone's attention was Babar losing his cool on Wiaan Mulder, who hit him with the ball out of frustration. This dramatic moment added spice to a day already filled with riveting cricket.

ALSO READ:Selfless Leadership: Rohit Sharma Prioritizes Team Over Self, Earns Gambhir's Praise

The Context

It was a roller-coaster day for Babar Azam and Pakistan. Despite Babar’s heroics, Pakistan struggled in their first innings, tumbling for just 194 runs. South Africa enforced the follow-on, putting Pakistan under immense pressure. However, Babar and Shan Masood had other plans, as the duo stitched a remarkable 150-run opening stand in the second innings, frustrating the Proteas.

The Agressive Side Of Babar Azam ❤️‍🩹🔥.#BabarAzam #SAvsPAK #PAKvSA #PakistanCricket #Babar #SAvsPAK pic.twitter.com/eRME0Hn20C

— Babarology 56 🇵🇸 (@HaroonRaso94849) January 5, 2025

The Heated Moment

As tensions mounted, Wiaan Mulder’s frustration boiled over. Spotting Babar out of the crease, Mulder threw the ball directly at him during his over. The ball hit Babar, and the usually composed batter lost his temper. He pointed to the stumps to remind Mulder of the game’s spirit and even came face to face with the bowler, delivering a verbal retort. This fiery exchange became the talking point of the day, showcasing the high-pressure environment both teams were operating in.

pic.twitter.com/MPbnRRAEMF

— rohitkohlirocks@123@ (@21OneTwo34) January 5, 2025

Babar Azam’s Brilliance

Despite the heated moment, it was a day to remember for Babar Azam fans. The Pakistan skipper slammed twin fifties on the same day, marking a remarkable comeback after a lean patch of 19 innings without a half-century. With three fifties in his last three innings, Babar is rediscovering his best form, much to the delight of his supporters.

Match Situation

By the end of the day, Pakistan were 155/0 in their second innings, making South Africa pay for enforcing the follow-on. Babar and Masood’s partnership has given Pakistan a fighting chance, and the Proteas will need to regroup to break this stand.

Arshdeep Singh Shortlisted for ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year

Arshdeep Singh, a young fast bowler from India, got a nomination for the Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year. It was on December 29 that the International Cricket Council put out the list of nominees. During the T20 World Cup 2024, Arshdeep really showed what he could do. Singh ended up as one of the top bowlers by taking the same number of wickets as the highest wicket-taker. In eight matches, he managed to get 17 victims, boasting a very low average of 12.64 and keeping his runs per over down to 7.16.

Arshdeep not only did an excellent job in the World Cup but also became the top spot for most wickets taken in Test matches among countries that play tests. He got 36 wickets across 18 games, with an impressive average of just 13.50 and giving 7.49 runs per over. What's surprising is that Jasprit Bumrah, even after getting the Player of the Tournament title at the T20 World Cup, didn't even get a nominee spot for the celebrated ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year award now.

ALSO READ:Arshdeep Singh's Five-Wicket Masterclass Stuns Mumbai in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Bumrah performed admirably during the World Cup, finishing as the tournament's second-highest wicket-taker with 15 wickets in eight games, boasting an incredible average of 8.26 and an economy rate of just 4.17. Another nominee is Pakistani star Babar Azam, who was the leading T20I run-scorer for both Test-playing teams and globally, accumulating 738 runs in 23 innings with an average of 33.54 and a strike rate of 133.21, including six half-centuries.

Travis Head from Australia is competing for the award too. This year, he was amazing in T20Is and obtained the most runs for Australia, hitting 539 in 15 games. Head managed to achieve an average of 38.50 and had an inordinately speedy strike rate of 178.47, which included scoring four half-centuries -- proving he can effectively challenge the bowlers.

Sikandar Raza from Zimbabwe completes the list of nominees, with a stellar 2024. Earlier this year, he got everyone to notice him by making the second-fastest century ever in T20 International games.Raza performed well overall, hitting a total of 573 runs over 23 innings, which gives him an average of 28.65. His hitting was very strong too, with a strike rate of 146.54.  Raza even managed to score one century and two fifties. When it comes to bowling, he wasn't unsuccessful either, taking 24 wickets in 23 matches and averaging 22.25 for each wicket he took. Raza shone in one game where he took 5 wickets and only gave up 18 runs.

Arshdeep Singh nominated for ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year.

- Nominees: Raza, Head, Babar, and Arshdeep.#ArshdeepSingh #INDvsAUS #INDvAUS #AUSvIND #AUSvsIND #AUSvINDIA #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/fFHTfSuZMZ

— OP VIN (@vinsaa96) December 29, 2024

Now, fans can vote for their favorite players on the ICC website to help decide this prestigious accolade!

Babar Azam made his return to red-ball cricket through the Boxing Day Test between Pakistan and South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday, December 26. Well, he wasn't able to make his return special with a big knock but the former Pakistan skipper joined the elite list only after two cricketers.

Babar Azam was able to make only four runs on his return to the Test side. Still, it was enough for him to become the third player to score over 4,000 runs in all three formats of the game in the international circuit. He joined current Indian Skipper Rohit Sharma and his teammate Virat Kohli who also have 4,000-plus runs in all three formats.

4️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ Test runs ✅@babarazam258 is only the third player to score over 4,000 runs in all three formats of the game! 🤩👏#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/QNu4jY27E8

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 26, 2024

Babar has scored 4001 runs from 56 Tests, 5957 runs from 123 ODIs, and 4,223 runs from 128 T20Is in his international career.

See Also:- From King to Clown: The Australian Media’s Shift in Narrative on Virat Kohli

Babar Azam was left out from the Test side after the first Test against England at home earlier this year. It was after the continuous disappointment from the test side at Home. He made his return to the side but was able to play only 11 deliveries. Babar smashed four off debutant Corbin Bosch's full toss.

He wasn't able to score more as he was dismissed by Pacer Dane Paterson off second slip.

Paterson, Bosch restricts Pakistan to 211, ends Day 1 on 82/3 trail by 129

South African Skipper Temba Bavuma opted to field the first Test at Centurion. Pakistan Openers started very well and put up a 36-run opening stand. They were dismissed in consecutive overs by Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson respectively. Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan stitched an 81-run partnership. But it was broken again as Dane Paterson dismissed Kamran Ghulam for a well-made 54. Salman Agha and Aamer Jamal's partnership of 47 runs took Pakistan close to the 200-run mark. Pakistan were dismissed for 211 as Dane Paterson bagged five wickets. Meanwhile, debutant Corbin Bosch picked up four.

Pakistan struck early in the 3rd over itself as Khurram Shahzad got better of left-handed batter Tony de Zorzi for 2(8). He dismissed another left-hander Ryan Rickelton for 8(10). Pacer Mohammad Abbas who made his return into the side after three years dismissed Tristan Stubbs by LBW for 9(28) restricting Proteas to 66-3. Proteas end the Day 1 on 89-3 trailing by 129 runs with Aiden Markram 47*(67) and Skipper Temba Bavuma on 4*(23).

Brief Scores: Pakistan 211 (Kamran Ghulam 54, Aamer Jamal 28; Dane Paterson 5-35, Corbin Bosch 4-24) lead South Africa 82/3 (Aiden Markram 47*, Tristan Stubbs 9; Khurram Shahzad 2-28, Mohammad Abbas 1-36) by 129 runs.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the Test, ODI, and T20I squads for the upcoming South Africa tour. After completing the ongoing Zimbabwe tour, where Pakistan have played a three-match ODI series and are playing another three-match T20I series, Pakistan will tour South Africa. After losing the first ODI, Pakistan won the ODI series against the hosts Zimbabwe by 2-1. On the other hand, while the last T20I will be played on December 5, Pakistan have already secured the T20I series by leading it 2-0. 

In the South Africa tour, Pakistan will play a three-match T20I series, a three-match ODI series, and a two-match Test series. The Test series will be a part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship. 

While Mohammad Rizwan will lead the T20I and ODI teams, Shan Masood will lead the Pakistan Test side. The T20I series, ODI series, and Test series will start on December 10, December 17, and December 26, respectively.

See Also: Bangladesh create history in Sabina Park, Register their maiden Test win in the Caribbean since 2009

Shaheen Shah Afridi is out of the Test squad

Last October, Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi were dropped from the Test squad after losing the opening game of the home Test series against England. While Babar and Naseem have joined the Test squad for the South Africa tour, Shaheen Shah Afridi hasn’t been included in the Test team. For the South Africa tour, Babar is in all three squads, while Afridi is missing from the Test team, and Naseem will play in the ODI and Test series. 

Mohammad Abbas, who last played a Test match for Pakistan in 2021, has returned to the Test squad. While the left-arm spinner Noman Ali will travel to South Africa for the Test series, the off-spinner Sajid Khan has been dropped only due to pace-friendly conditions.

Pakistan never won a Test series in South Africa

Pakistan have won two T20I series, and two ODI series but have won only two Tests and never won a Test series. Pakistan drew a Test series in South Africa in 1998, where they recorded their first Test win in South Africa, and won their last Test match in 2007. 

Pakistan's full squad for South Africa tour

T20Is: Mohammad Rizwan (Captain, wk), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan (wk).

ODIs: Mohammad Rizwan (Captain, wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan (wk).

Tests: Shan Masood (Captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-capt), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.

For the past few weeks, speculation regarding the future of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 has been rife. The focus has been mostly centered on the ongoing tussle between PCB and BCCI as the Indian government stands firmly opposed to sending its cricket team to Pakistan. Out of eight participating teams, India is the only team that willfully wants to refrain from traveling to Pakistan citing "security reasons". The Indian team last toured Pakistan during the 2008 Asia Cup right before the tragic terror attacks in Mumbai which claimed countless lives.

Relations since the in-famous terror attack have been sour and the bilateral cricketing ties have plummeted to an all-time low. Very recently, right before the release of the official Champions Trophy schedule, the BCCI blatantly refused to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and has also issued a formal communication to the ICC about the same. This puts PCB in a difficult situation who are reportedly taking all possible measures to host its first major ICC event since 1996. 

How did the PCB respond to BCCI's denial to travel Pakistan? 

As soon as BCCI's decision was conveyed to the ICC, it was learnt that the PCB had reportedly referred the matter to its government which is currently reviewing this highly sensitive situation. Previously, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed that his board is unwilling to make any compromises and quashed any hopes of adopting a hybrid model unless a written explanation is issued by the Indian government. 

As per a PCB spokesperson, the ICC had communicated this news to the PCB via email on Friday but a formal reason for India's omission was missing. 

"The ICC emailed the PCB informing them about the inability of the BCCI to send its team to Pakistan. No reason was given. There is nothing in writing we have received from the BCCI. The PCB has apprised the federal government of the situation."

Unlike last year's Asia Cup where the PCB gave in to India's "hybrid model" approach, the stance will be a lot more stringent by the PCB. And since Naqvi is also part of Pakistan's interior ministry, the stance can be viewed as representative of the government in this case. As per sources, the Pakistan government will advise the PCB to remain resolute in this matter and work with the governing bodies to host the Champions Trophy successfully in Pakistan. 

How will ICC respond amidst the political standoff between the two boards?

As the countdown for the much-anticipated Champions Trophy draws close, ICC will have a little under 100 days to finalize the future and the outcome of the tournament. As cricketing ties continue to get impacted amidst worsening geopolitical ties between the two nations, ICC now finds itself in a tight situation. Picking either side in a situation like this can invite consequences that the ICC may not be able to ascertain at this stage. Both Naqvi and jay Shah have close ties to their respective head of states. The situation will not become any simpler when Shah takes over as the ICC chair, on December 1.

In an unexpected turn of events during the third and final ODI between Pakistan and Australia, Pakistan captain Babar Azam turned into an on-field 'doctor' for pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi. The incident, which showcased Azam's quick thinking and concern for his teammate, took place at Perth on Sunday, November 10. Pakistan, on the verge of a historic ODI series win in Australia after 22 years, displayed more than just competitive spirit as Azam stepped in to care for his injured teammate.

Shaheen Afridi suffers painful thumb Injury mid-match

The injury occurred during the 26th over when Australian batter Sean Abbott completed a run. As a throw from the outfield came back, it bounced awkwardly and struck Shaheen Afridi directly on his left thumb. The star pacer immediately crouched down in pain, clutching his injured thumb while waiting for the medical staff. But before the physios could reach him, captain Babar Azam rushed over and began massaging Shaheen’s thumb in an attempt to relieve the discomfort.

This moment of camaraderie didn’t go unnoticed by the commentators and fans, who praised Azam for his immediate response. His gesture highlighted the strong bond within the Pakistan team and his commitment to his players both on and off the field.

Dr Babar is on the case! 👨‍⚕️#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/FupHfqon3p

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 10, 2024

Pakistan dominates Australia with strong Bowling performance

Pakistan’s performance with the ball was just as strong, restricting Australia to a modest total of 141. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Pakistan's bowlers put the Australian batting lineup under pressure. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah led the attack, each picking up three wickets, while Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain contributed with crucial breakthroughs. Australian batsmen struggled, with Sean Abbott’s 30 runs being the highest score. Injuries and form issues, like Cooper Connolly's mid-game injury and Jake Fraser-McGurk’s struggles, further hampered Australia's efforts.

See Also: Australian squad announced for Perth Test with two potential Test debutants

Pakistan, now in a favorable position to secure the series win, is on the brink of making history by ending a 22-year drought for an ODI series win in Australia. As they chase a target of 141, the team has a clear pathway to clinch the series, showcasing both skill and unity.

Babar Azam’s compassionate gesture towards Shaheen Afridi added a personal touch to a high-stakes match. Pakistan’s strong showing with the ball and their united team spirit put them in an excellent position to claim a memorable series victory in Australia. This performance not only highlights their athletic ability but also the resilience and camaraderie within the squad—a true testament to Pakistan cricket’s ongoing evolution.

In a major decision, star batter Babar Azam has once again stepped down as captain of Pakistan’s ODI and T20I teams. In a social media post on Wednesday, Babar announced that he had informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and team management of his decision in September. Citing the heavy workload that came with leading the national team, Babar shared that he wants to focus more on his batting and personal life.

This is the second time in less than a year that Babar has relinquished the captaincy. Following Pakistan's disappointing performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Babar resigned from all three formats, only to be reinstated as the white-ball captain in March 2024. However, after another challenging T20 World Cup in 2024, where Pakistan failed to advance past the group stage, Babar has once again chosen to step aside.

Workload and personal growth

Babar Azam addressed his fans on X (formerly Twitter), explaining that the decision to step down as captain was difficult but necessary. "Captaincy has been a rewarding experience, but it has added a significant workload," Babar said. He emphasized that by stepping down, he could channel his energy into performing better as a player. Babar also mentioned his desire to spend more quality time with his family.

Dear Fans,

I'm sharing some news with you today. I have decided to resign as captain of the Pakistan men's cricket team, effective as of my notification to the PCB and Team Management last month.

It's been an honour to lead this team, but it's time for me to step down and focus…

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) October 1, 2024

Babar has been facing a rare lean patch in his career, recently slipping out of the top 10 in the ICC Test rankings. His decision to resign comes after attending the Strategic Connection Camp, a workshop in September aimed at planning the future of Pakistan cricket. Senior players like Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan were also present, alongside coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie.

Pakistan's recent struggles and leadership changes

Pakistan's performance in the T20 World Cup was underwhelming, as they were eliminated in the group stage after losses to India and the USA. Throughout the tournament, rumors of a rift in the dressing room and clashes with head coach Gary Kirsten added to the team’s struggles.

This resignation marks yet another chapter in the recent musical chairs of Pakistan's leadership. Babar had previously stepped down in November 2023, following Pakistan's poor ODI World Cup campaign. Shaheen Afridi was appointed as T20I captain but was sacked after just one series. Babar returned to the helm in March 2024 but has now stepped down once again after Pakistan’s struggles in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Future of Pakistan cricket

Pakistan has not played an ODI since their World Cup exit in November 2023 and has not played any T20Is since June 2024. The team is now gearing up for a three-match Test series against England in October, led by Test captain Shan Masood. However, Masood has also been under scrutiny after Pakistan's surprising home series defeat to Bangladesh.

See Also: WATCH: When the Test match was televised first time

Babar’s decision to resign could open the door for new leadership and a possible reshuffling of the team’s strategy as Pakistan looks to rebuild after a series of disappointing international campaigns. It remains to be seen who will step into Babar’s shoes as the permanent ODI and T20I captain moving forward.

Babar Azam’s decision to step down from his captaincy role is a significant moment for Pakistan cricket. After a challenging year with leadership changes and underwhelming performances, Babar’s choice to focus on his batting could benefit both him and the team. As Pakistan looks to rebuild and strategize for the future, all eyes will be on who will take up the mantle of leadership in the white-ball formats.

Pakistan cricket is bracing for a significant leadership change as star batter Babar Azam is likely to be removed as the white-ball captain ahead of the away series against Australia in November. The decision comes after Pakistan's disappointing performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where the team failed to qualify for the semi-finals, ultimately leading to Babar relinquishing his captaincy in all formats.

Babar's struggles and new leadership direction

Despite being reinstated as white-ball captain before the T20 World Cup 2024 under the new management led by Mohsin Naqvi, Babar was unable to guide the team to success. Pakistan suffered defeats to the USA and India, resulting in an early exit from the tournament. Babar’s personal form as a batter also became a point of concern, with his leadership questioned after the recent Test series against Bangladesh. Consequently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is seriously considering removing Babar from his leadership role to allow him to focus solely on his batting.

According to reports from Geo News, the PCB is contemplating elevating wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan to the captaincy for all three formats. Rizwan has demonstrated strong leadership qualities in domestic competitions, most notably guiding the Multan Sultans to back-to-back finals in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Mohammad Rizwan poised for captaincy across all formats

Further signaling the shift in leadership, Rizwan was recently appointed as one of the captains in the newly launched Champions One Day Cup, a domestic tournament aimed at identifying future cricketing talents in Pakistan. While senior players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Saud Shakeel, and Mohammad Haris were also named captains, Babar was notably absent from the leadership list, hinting at the PCB's diminishing confidence in his captaincy.

See Also: Mark Wood ruled out for Rest 2024 season due to elbow injury (cricketwinner.com)

It is believed that Babar was informed of the decision as early as July, following consultations between the PCB and white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten. The official announcement is expected when Pakistan reveals their squad for the Australia series, set to begin on November 4, 2024.