LAHORE: In a major blow to Pakistan’s batting line-up, opening batters Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub have been ruled out of the upcoming three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Wednesday.
Update on Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub
Details here ➡️ https://t.co/fgDnN0vyqV pic.twitter.com/YcLSNRQY54
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) May 20, 2026
According to BCB, both players are “currently recovering from injuries and have been advised to continue their rehabilitation programmes under the supervision of the PCB medical panel.” The board confirmed that they have been ruled out of selection for the ODI series as a result.
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.
— Amir Mir (@AmirMirpcb) May 20, 2026
The PCB wished both players a speedy recovery and expressed hope to see them return to competitive cricket at the earliest opportunity. Further updates regarding the squad and player fitness will be shared in due course, the board added.
A setback for Pakistan ahead of their ODI series against Australia 👀
https://t.co/4YTNTWtmkz— ICC (@ICC) May 20, 2026
The Australian men’s cricket team is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on May 23 for the tour. The first ODI will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on May 30, followed by the second and third ODIs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on June 2 and June 4, respectively.
Pakistan will now have to rethink their opening combination ahead of the crucial home series against a strong Australian side.
