Lahore – Former captain Babar Azam is back in Pakistan’s T20I squad after being sidelined for several months. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the squads for upcoming white-ball series against South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. His return strengthens Pakistan’s batting lineup ahead of a busy home season.
Babar last played a T20I against South Africa in Centurion in December 2024. He missed recent series against Bangladesh, West Indies, and the Asia Cup 2025. Alongside him, the squads feature a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, aiming to provide balance and depth for Pakistan.
Salman Ali Agha will lead the T20I side, while Shaheen Shah Afridi takes charge of the ODI team for the first time. Notable inclusions in the T20 squad are Abdul Samad, Naseem Shah, and Usman Tariq, who earns his maiden call-up.
For the ODI squad, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, and Haseebullah return, reflecting PCB’s strategy to blend youth and experience. The T20I series against South Africa begins in Rawalpindi on October 28, with matches in Lahore scheduled for October 31 and November 1.
The ODI series will be played in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8. Following that, Pakistan will host Sri Lanka for three ODIs in Rawalpindi from November 11 to 15. The schedule concludes with a T20I tri-nation series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe from November 17 to 29, across Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Pakistan T20I Squad (15 Players):
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.
Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim.
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Pakistan ODI Squad (16 Players):
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), 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.
