Australia face significant challenges ahead of their upcoming T20I series against Pakistan as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are both set to miss the tour due to ongoing injury recovery. Cummins, Australia’s all-format pace spearhead, has been carefully managed since returning from a stress fracture in his back that had ruled him out before the Ashes. Although he staged a successful comeback during the series, team management is cautious about overloading him ahead of a busy schedule that includes the 2026 T20 World Cup. His rest from the Pakistan tour is seen as a precaution to safeguard long-term fitness rather than a short-term decision.
Hazlewood’s situation is even more delicate. The right-arm pacer was sidelined for the Ashes after a hamstring injury was aggravated by Achilles soreness, ending his participation before it began. While his rehabilitation keeps him on track for the global T20 event, medical staff have advised against rushing his return for the Pakistan series, leading selectors to hold him back as well.
With both senior quicks unavailable, Australia will be without two of their most experienced bowlers for the three-match T20I series, forcing them to rely on bench strength and fringe pacers in subcontinental conditions. The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that the tour will consist of three T20 internationals only, with no plans to extend the series.
For Australia, these matches will now serve as an opportunity to test back-up fast bowlers, but the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood represents a significant setback in both firepower and experience as the team prepares for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
