Pakistan’s premier batter Babar Azam is back in the T20I squad after nearly 10 months. The former captain has been named for the upcoming home series against South Africa and the T20I tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in November.
Babar, who last featured in a T20I in December 2024, has been Pakistan’s most consistent run-getter in the format. His return adds strength to a side looking to bounce back after a disappointing Asia Cup 2025 campaign, where Pakistan lost three matches to India and ended as runners-up.
Key Inclusions and Omissions
Babar isn’t the only big name returning. Naseem Shah also finds his way back into the squad. But surprisingly, Mohammad Rizwan — former captain and wicketkeeper-batter — has not been included this time.
The selection panel has named Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Sufiyan Moqim as reserves, providing extra depth for the long home season.
Home Season: South Africa Series Followed by Tri-Series
Pakistan will first host South Africa for a six-match white-ball series — three T20Is and three ODIs — starting October 28. Sri Lanka will then arrive for a three-match ODI series in mid-November.
The season will conclude with a T20I tri-series between Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, played in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the side, having taken charge earlier this year.
Pakistan T20I Squad
Salman Ali Agha (C), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (WK), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (WK), Usman Tariq.
Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim.
Haris Rauf Returns for ODIs Under New Captain Shaheen Afridi
Pacer Haris Rauf will also make his ODI comeback, joined by Faisal Akram and Haseebullah. This ODI series will be Pakistan’s first under the leadership of Shaheen Shah Afridi — marking a new chapter for the team.
Pakistan ODI Squad
Shaheen Shah Afridi (C), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.
Complete Schedule
South Africa Tour of Pakistan
- Oct 28 – 1st T20I, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- Oct 31 – 2nd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Nov 1 – 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Nov 4 – 1st ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- Nov 6 – 2nd ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- Nov 8 – 3rd ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan
- Nov 11 – 1st ODI, Rawalpindi
- Nov 13 – 2nd ODI, Rawalpindi
- Nov 15 – 3rd ODI, Rawalpindi
T20I Tri-Series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)
- Nov 17 – Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi
- Nov 19 – Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi
- Nov 22 – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Lahore
- Nov 23 – Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, Lahore
- Nov 25 – Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, Lahore
- Nov 27 – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Lahore
- Nov 29 – Final, Lahore
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