Australia cricket team arrives in Pakistan for three-match T20I series:Aussies to play three matches in preparation for T20 World Cup

The Australian cricket team, led by Mitchell Marsh, arrived in Lahore on Wednesday. The Aussies are set to take on Pakistan in a three-match T20I series, which starts from 29 January. This series is being played at a time when there is uncertainty about Pakistan playing in the T20 World Cup, which starts on 7 February. The three-match series is a very crucial one, keeping in mind the T20 World Cup. All three matches of the T20I series will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Pakistan awaiting government approval for T20 World Cup participation
The Pakistan cricket team is awaiting the approval of its government to play in the T20 World Cup, which is going to be held in India and Sri Lanka. The uncertainty comes after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the T20 World Cup after the former refused to travel to India, citing security reasons. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, had a meeting with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and said that a decision on his country’s participation in the T20 World Cup will be taken by Friday or next Monday. Also read: Mohsin Naqvi meets Pakistan PM on T20 World Cup issue: PAK continue drama despite releasing squad for the tournament, no decision on participation ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland at T20 World Cup
The Bangladesh Cricket Board and its interim government had refused to play T20 World Cup matches in India, citing security concerns. Following this, the International Cricket Council (ICC) included Scotland in the tournament in place of Bangladesh. Pakistan have opposed this decision, with Naqvi even calling out the ICC for double standards. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and other seniors to miss Pakistan T20I series
The Australian team has arrived in Lahore without some of its experienced players, including Pat Cummins. Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, and Nathan Ellis have been ruled out of the Pakistan tour to recover from injuries before the T20 World Cup. The Australian team is touring Pakistan for the first time since 2022. Australia’s squad for T20I series against Pakistan: Mitchell Marsh (Captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (Wicketkeeper), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (Wicketkeeper), Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.