Wicket keeper Sarfraz Ahmed is set to return to Pakistan after his mother fell seriously ill in Karachi, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Media Director Amjad Hussain told DawnNews on Tuesday.

Sarfraz will return to Pakistan on the first available flight to see his mother, PCB sources said.

Sarfraz's return is a second blow to the Pakistan One Day International squad, which is to face Australia without paceman Muhammad Irfan, whose mother passed away earlier this week. Irfan will be replaced by Junaid Khan.

According to PCB sources, Muhammad Hafeez will join the Pakistan team today, whereas Khan will join his teammates tomorrow.

Pakistan and Australia will face off in Brisbane on Jan 13.