LAHORE – In a highly anticipated move, star batter Babar Azam has been named in the Pakistan T20I squad for the upcoming white-ball series, marking his return to the format. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the 15-member squad today, confirming Azam's comeback for the series against South Africa and the subsequent tri-nation series featuring Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
Azam's inclusion comes after a period of absence from T20Is, with his last appearance being on the tour of South Africa in 2024. His return, along with pacer Naseem Shah, is expected to provide stability and experience to the side as they continue preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The announcement also includes a maiden call-up for uncapped player Usman Tariq, signaling the selection committee's focus on nurturing new talent alongside experienced campaigners.
Squad Details and Schedule
T20I Captaincy: Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the T20I team, with Azam slotting into the batting lineup.
Squad Composition: In addition to Azam and Shah, the squad features the return of all-rounder Abdul Samad. Several players from previous squads, including Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf, have been dropped.
South Africa Series: The three-match T20I series against South Africa is scheduled from October 28 to November 1.
Tri-Nation Series: Pakistan will then participate in a tri-nation series with Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, set to run from November 17 to 29 in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
The return of Babar Azam is being hailed by fans and pundits alike, who believe his world-class batting prowess and calm demeanor will significantly bolster Pakistan's chances in the upcoming fixtures. The PCB's decision to bring back key senior players while blooding new talent indicates a balanced approach to squad selection as they build towards future ICC tournaments.
