new delhi, Oct 23
Former skipper Babar Azam has made a long-awaited return to Pakistan’s T20I setup, named in the 15-member squad for the upcoming home series against South Africa and the subsequent tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. This marks his first appearance in the shortest format in nearly a year.
Mohammad Rizwan, who was recently sacked as ODI captain, retained his place in the 50-over squad, while wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan and offspinner Usman Tariq have been drafted into the T20I side.
Babar, who last featured in T20Is during the 2024 PSL season, was left out of subsequent squads as Pakistan’s white-ball coach Mike Hesson emphasised the need for him to “improve a few things” before earning a recall.
The selectors had reportedly planned to evaluate his progress during the Big Bash League in December but his early inclusion bolsters the side for the home series.
Among other key inclusions, pacer Naseem Shah retained his ODI spot and rejoined the T20 squad following an impressive stint with the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Usman Tariq, who starred for Trinbago Knight Riders as the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, has also been rewarded for his performances.
Meanwhile, Hasan Ali, part of the T20 Asia Cup squad, has been left out of both white-ball sides, while Hussain Talat has been omitted from the T20 lineup.
Pakistan will host South Africa for three T20Is followed by a three-match ODI series in November, with Shaheen Afridi set to captain the ODI side for the first time. The tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe is scheduled from November 17 to 29.
Pakistan ODI squad: Shahen 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
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 (wk), Usman Tariq
