Babar Azam is back. The former captain has been recalled to Pakistan’s T20I squad as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the line-ups for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa and Sri Lanka. His return marks a major boost for Pakistan’s top order, signaling renewed intent and balance in the squad ahead of a busy home season.
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The National Selection Committee revealed a 15-member T20I squad that will face South Africa in Rawalpindi and Lahore from October 28 to November 1. The same squad will also represent Pakistan in a T20I tri-series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, scheduled from November 17 to 29.
Babar Azam, Abdul Samad, and fast bowler Naseem Shah make their comebacks after missing recent tournaments. Excitement also surrounds uncapped player Usman Tariq, who has been given his maiden call-up following impressive domestic performances.
The PCB also announced a 16-member squad for the ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka. The first ODI leg will take place in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8, followed by a home series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi from November 11 to 15.
In the ODI squad, left-arm spinner Faisal Akram, pacer Haris Rauf, and young wicketkeeper Haseebullah have been recalled, adding depth and variety to the side.
Earlier, Babar and Mohammad Rizwan were rested for the Asia Cup and warm-up tri-series, where Salman Ali Agha led the team. Head coach Mike Hesson had explained that Babar was working on specific aspects of his game, including improving his strike rate and playing spin more aggressively. With his return, fans will be eager to see how the star batter translates that feedback into performance.
The T20I squad features a strong mix of experience and youth. Captain Salman Ali Agha will lead a side packed with all-round talent, including Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, and Mohammad Wasim Jr., while Shaheen Shah Afridi spearheads the bowling attack alongside Naseem Shah.
Pakistan T20I Squad: 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 (wicket-keeper), Usman Tariq. Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim.
Pakistan ODI Squad: 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 (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.
Babar’s return is expected to bring stability to the batting lineup as Pakistan aims to regain its rhythm ahead of next year’s ICC tournaments. With Rawalpindi and Lahore hosting key fixtures, the home crowd will once again rally behind their favorite stars — and all eyes will be on Babar Azam to lead with the bat once more.
