Babar Azam received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from fans upon his arrival in Australia, despite facing challenges with his batting form recently. The former captain was among the first members of the Pakistan cricket team to land, and eager fans were on hand for photos and well-wishes.
After being left out of the last two matches against England in the home series, Babar is determined to regain his form in the upcoming three ODIs and three T20Is against Australia before taking a break for the Zimbabwe series. His return to international cricket comes after a brief absence, and he is looking to capitalize on this opportunity to prove his mettle.
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The rest of the Pakistan squad is expected to arrive shortly, with training scheduled to commence on November 1, ahead of the first ODI on November 4. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that members of the ODI squad arrived in Melbourne today, while the remaining players are set to depart soon.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with the newly appointed white-ball captain Muhammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha, offering his best wishes and highlighting the honor of leading the national team. The PCB has announced squads for the upcoming tours of Australia and Zimbabwe, bringing back key players while also incorporating emerging domestic talent.
The Pakistan white-ball cricket teams will face Australia from November 4 to 18, followed by a series in Zimbabwe from November 24 to December 5. These tours are critical for preparing for the ICC Champions Trophy, as selectors aim to blend experienced players with new talent.