May 22 Cricket Highlights: Babar Azam Returns, SRH Record-Breaking IPL Display

A Day of Significant Shifts in Global Cricket

The landscape of professional cricket witnessed a flurry of activity on Friday, May 22, with major squad announcements, historical batting performances, and the conclusion of an international career. From the boardrooms of the Pakistan Cricket Board to the explosive pitches of the IPL, here is a comprehensive breakdown of the day’s biggest stories.

Babar Azam Returns to Pakistan ODI Squad

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia. The headline of the announcement is the return of star batter Babar Azam, who rejoins the national setup after missing the recent series against Bangladesh. His inclusion is viewed as a significant boost for the team’s batting lineup.

Conversely, the board has opted to drop senior wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, citing his recent dip in form. Shaheen Afridi will continue to lead the side, with all-rounder Salman Agha named as his deputy, indicating a clear direction for the leadership core heading into the series.

Leadership Speculation Surrounding the Test Captaincy

Beyond the ODI squad announcement, there is growing speculation regarding the future of the Test captaincy. Following a disappointing 0-2 series defeat against Bangladesh, reports suggest that the PCB is contemplating removing Shan Masood from his role. Masood’s tenure has been marked by a historically low win percentage, leading to calls for a change in leadership.

Reports from Geo News suggest that Salman Agha, who currently leads the T20I side, is the primary candidate to take over the Test captaincy. Pakistan’s next Test challenge is scheduled for July, featuring an away series against the West Indies.

Ireland Prepares for New Zealand Test

In international cricket news, Cricket Ireland has finalized its 14-member squad for the upcoming one-off Test against New Zealand. Andrew Balbirnie retains the captaincy, leading a squad that includes key performers such as Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, and Curtis Campher.

The selection process was hampered by injuries to several core players, including Paul Stirling, Barry McCarthy, Josh Little, Gavin Hoey, and Jordan Neill. In light of these absences, the board has named four potential debutants, signaling an opportunity for younger talent to prove their worth on the big stage.

Vijay Shankar Retires from Domestic Cricket and IPL

The Indian cricketing fraternity bid farewell to all-rounder Vijay Shankar, who has officially announced his retirement from domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 35-year-old, a veteran of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, cited a desire to pursue opportunities in overseas franchise T20 leagues as the motivation for his decision.

Shankar has not featured in competitive cricket since his appearance for Tripura in the Ranji Trophy four months ago. His departure marks the end of a domestic career that saw him serve as a reliable all-round presence for various sides, including his notable stint with Chennai Super Kings.

SRH Shatters Batting Records Against RCB

The IPL 2026 season saw a breathtaking display of power-hitting as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) posted an imposing total of 255-4 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The innings was defined by explosive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen.

A notable statistical milestone was achieved during the match, with Ishan Kishan crossing the 500-run mark for the season. With Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen also having surpassed the 500-run threshold, SRH has become only the second franchise in the history of the IPL to feature three batters with 500 or more runs in a single tournament edition. This performance serves as a powerful statement of intent as the tournament nears its climax.

As the cricketing world moves forward, these events provide a glimpse into the evolving nature of the sport—where veterans move on, new leaders are sought, and batting records are pushed to new, unprecedented heights.