Fakhar, Ayub ruled out of selection for ODIs against Australia due to injuries

LAHORE: Pakistan have been dealt a big blow ahead of their upcoming ODI series against Australia as their opening pair, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, have been ruled out of selection for the three-match series due to injuries.

The hosts are yet to announce the squad for the ODI leg of Australia’s tour of Pakistan, scheduled to begin on May 30. The hosts will now have to find new sets of openers for their series against Australia.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), both players are currently undergoing rehabilitation and recovery under the close supervision of the board’s medical staff.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that both players are currently recovering from injuries and have been advised to continue their rehabilitation programmes under the supervision of the PCB medical panel. Consequently, they have been ruled out of selection for the ODI series,” the PCB said in the statement.

"The PCB wishes both players a speedy recovery and looks forward to seeing them return to competitive cricket at the earliest opportunity. Further updates regarding the squad and player fitness will be shared in due course," it added.

The pair last featured for Pakistan during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and was more recently in action in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).