MuhammadSalis 
Babar Azam rejoins Pakistan’s T20 team as the PCB announces squads for South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe series starting October 28.
Babar Azam Makes T20 Comeback as Pakistan Announce Squads for South Africa and Tri-Series
Introduction:
Pakistan cricket fans have a reason to cheer as former captain Babar Azam returns to the national T20I setup. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled its squads for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa, followed by a tri-series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. With several familiar faces making a comeback and a few exciting new names joining the mix, Pakistan’s home season promises an exciting run of international cricket across Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Faisalabad.
Babar Azam Headlines Pakistan’s T20I Comeback List
Babar Azam, who was previously rested from the T20 squad, has officially been recalled to the side as Pakistan gear up for the T20I series against South Africa. The matches will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore between October 28 and November 1.
The 15-member squad features key returns — Babar Azam, Abdul Samad, and pace sensation Naseem Shah. Usman Tariq, the only uncapped player, has earned his maiden call-up following consistent domestic performances.
According to the PCB, this same T20I squad will also represent Pakistan in the tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, scheduled between November 17 and 29 at the same venues.
Pakistan’s 15-Member T20I Squad
Here’s the full list of players named for Pakistan’s T20I series and the tri-nation event:
- 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 (Wicketkeeper)
- Usman Tariq
Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim
The return of Babar Azam strengthens Pakistan’s top order, while the inclusion of Naseem Shah adds extra firepower to the bowling lineup. Salman Ali Agha continues to lead the side after being handed the T20 captaincy during the Asia Cup.
ODI Squad Announced for South Africa and Sri Lanka
Alongside the T20 lineup, the PCB has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka. The ODI series against South Africa will take place from November 4 to 8 in Faisalabad, followed by three ODIs against Sri Lanka from November 11 to 15 in Rawalpindi.
Returning to the ODI squad are left-arm spinner Faisal Akram, pacer Haris Rauf, and wicketkeeper-batsman Haseebullah.
Pakistan’s 16-Member 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 (Wicketkeeper)
Mohammad Wasim Jnr
Naseem Shah
Saim Ayub
Salman Ali Agha
This lineup blends experience with emerging talent, giving Pakistan flexibility in both batting and bowling. Shaheen Afridi continues as ODI captain, with the management backing him to build a balanced and aggressive side.
Coach Mike Hesson Explains Babar’s Earlier Exclusion
When Babar Azam was left out of the Asia Cup and the preceding tri-series, head coach Mike Hesson had clarified that the decision was based on performance strategy rather than form. He mentioned that the former captain had been asked to refine his strike rate and improve his approach against spin bowlers in the middle overs.
Now, Babar’s return suggests that the coaching staff believes he has addressed those areas, making him an integral part of Pakistan’s T20 batting plans once again.
Pakistan’s Busy Home Schedule Ahead
The next two months will see a packed cricketing calendar for Pakistan, featuring South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. Fans across Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Faisalabad are set for back-to-back white-ball action.
Below is the complete schedule for Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures:
South Africa Tour of Pakistan
- October 28: First T20I – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
- October 31: Second T20I – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- November 1: Third T20I – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- November 4: First ODI – Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- November 6: Second ODI – Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- November 8: Third ODI – Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan
T20I Tri-Series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)
- November 17: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe – Rawalpindi
- November 19: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – Rawalpindi
- November 22: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Lahore
- November 23: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe – Lahore
- November 25: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe – Lahore
- November 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Lahore
- November 29: Final – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Young Players Poised to Shine
The inclusion of emerging talents such as Usman Tariq, Hasan Nawaz, and Haseebullah reflects Pakistan’s commitment to building depth for the future. These players have been standout performers in domestic and franchise cricket, earning well-deserved recognition on the international stage.
Usman Tariq’s selection, in particular, signals PCB’s strategy to test new batting options in T20 cricket ahead of next year’s global tournaments.
Strategic Rotations and Player Management
Pakistan’s selection committee has opted for squad rotations across formats, allowing senior players rest while grooming younger prospects. The presence of both Shaheen Afridi and Salman Ali Agha as captains indicates the board’s long-term planning approach.
With experienced names like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan returning to the ODI setup, Pakistan aims to stabilize its batting core before key international events next year.
Fans Excited for Babar Azam’s Return
Babar Azam’s comeback has sparked excitement among fans who have eagerly awaited his return to T20 cricket. Known for his consistency and calm leadership, Babar remains one of Pakistan’s most reliable run-scorers. His return is expected to strengthen the top order and bring much-needed experience to a young lineup.
Social media reactions poured in shortly after the announcement, with supporters expressing optimism about Pakistan’s chances in the home series. Cricket experts also view this as an ideal opportunity for Babar to rediscover his rhythm before major tournaments on the horizon.
A Promising Season for Pakistan Cricket
With multiple home series scheduled back-to-back, Pakistan cricket is set for a vibrant and competitive season. The return of Babar Azam, the inclusion of fresh talent, and balanced squad selections across formats reflect a renewed sense of direction for the team.
The tri-series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will serve as a valuable testing ground for Pakistan’s T20 lineup, while the ODI fixtures provide a platform to fine-tune strategies ahead of the next international cycle.
Conclusion:
Babar Azam’s return to the T20I squad marks an important step for Pakistan cricket as it looks to blend experience with youth in preparation for upcoming challenges. With strong squads named for both T20 and ODI formats, fans can expect thrilling cricket action in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Faisalabad. The series against South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe not only promises excitement but also gives Pakistan an opportunity to evaluate its depth ahead of global tournaments.
Internal Linking Suggestions:
- Pakistan vs South Africa Series Preview
- Babar Azam’s Best T20 Performances
- Rising Stars in Pakistan Cricket 2025
- Shaheen Afridi’s Captaincy Journey
- Upcoming ICC Events for Pakistan
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