Babar Azam Returns to Pakistan T20I Squad for South Africa and Tri-Series Against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe

Pakistan star batter Babar Azam has been recalled to the T20I squad for the upcoming series against South Africa and the tri-nation series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, marking his return to the shortest format after nearly a year.

Babar, who last played T20 cricket during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) earlier this year, was named in a 15-member squad for both white-ball assignments. His comeback makes him an all-format player for Pakistan once again.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also announced that Shaheen Shah Afridi will captain the ODI team for the first time in the three-match series against South Africa in November, following the T20Is. The tri-series will then be played from November 17 to 29.

“Babar’s return strengthens our top order and brings valuable experience to the side,” a PCB source said. “The selectors believe his presence will provide balance across formats as Pakistan prepares for a busy international season.”

Babar’s Comeback and Selection Changes

Babar’s absence from the T20 setup had followed comments from white-ball coach Mike Hesson, who said the former captain needed to “improve a few things” to regain his place. Initially, it was believed the Big Bash League would serve as his platform to earn a recall, but the selectors have now opted to fast-track his return ahead of the series.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan, despite being removed as ODI captain earlier, retains his spot as wicketkeeper-batter in both formats.
The selectors have also introduced Usman Khan (wicketkeeper-batter) and offspinner Usman Tariq to the T20I side. Tariq earned his call-up after a strong season with Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where he finished as the second-highest wicket-taker.

Hasan Ali, Hussain Talat Miss Out

Pacer Hasan Ali—who featured in the T20 Asia Cup—has been left out of both the ODI and T20 squads, while Hussain Talat has been dropped from the T20I setup.
Naseem Shah, fresh off an impressive CPL campaign with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, retains his ODI spot and makes a return to the T20I squad as well.

Pakistan Squads for South Africa and Tri-Series

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 (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

The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa will precede the ODI leg, after which the team will take part in the tri-series hosted in Zimbabwe later in November.