Pakistan endured a dismal World Cup 2023 campaign as they failed to qualify for the semi-final after losing five out of their nine league-stage matches.

In the wake of the World Cup debacle, Babar Azam stepped down as captain in all formats of the game. Subsequently, the PCB appointed Shan Masood as Test skipper and Shaheen Afridi as T20I captain. The captain for the 50-over format is yet to be announced.

Pakistan’s coaching staff and selection panel also underwent a major overhaul. Former all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez was named team director/head coach while ex-pacer Wahab Riaz was appointed chief selector.

Former wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmral has been handed the role of a selection consultant.   

Pakistan’s next assignment is the tour of Australia, where they will play three Tests from December 14 to January 7.

Ahead of the all-important series, legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram extended his best wishes to the national cricket team.

In a video shared on social media platform 'X', Akram highlighted the importance of staying patient with the newly appointed leadership.

“Pakistan team has reached Australia, wish them all the luck, especially to the new boys. By new boys I mean Mohammad Hafeez who joined as Team Director/Head Coach, Wahab [Riaz] as chief selector, Kamran Akmal and others, give them time,” Wasim said.

He also offered a valuable advice to the new appointees, asking them to avoid media interactions regularly.

“They are present cricketers, it is their time. Let’s give them one year. And one more advice, please don’t do a press conference every three minutes, stick to your decisions, if you’ve taken a decision, then you should be aware of the consequences, if you’ve a disturbed mind, then the team here would have the same [mind]. So please stick to your decision, be brave,” Akram added.

Pakistan squad for Australia Tests: Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Tour itinerary:

Four-day match: Prime Ministers XI vs Pakistan – December 6-9: Canberra

1st Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 14-18: Perth

2nd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – December 26-30: Melbourne

3rd Test – Australia vs Pakistan – January 3-7: Sydney