Babar Azam returns to Pakistan T20I squad

The Pakistan Cricket Board has rolled out a fresh T20I lineup, marking a major development in national cricket — Babar Azam returns to Pakistan T20I squad. The former captain and star batter is back in action after almost a year, signaling Pakistan’s intent to rebuild confidence ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Babar Azam’s Comeback Sparks New Hopes

Babar Azam’s last T20I outing was in December 2024, and his absence since then was heavily debated among fans and experts. His return now, just months before the World Cup, feels like a strategic move to bring stability and leadership back into the squad. The selectors seem keen to blend experience with youth as Pakistan prepares to face South Africa and later participate in a tri-nation T20I series with Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

The team’s batting unit struggled during the 2025 Asia Cup, lacking both consistency and aggression. Players like Sahibzada Farhan managed to score runs but at modest strike rates. On the other hand, Fakhar Zaman — known for his explosive batting — has been relegated to the reserves after failing to deliver in recent matches.

New Faces, New Energy

Besides Babar’s return, names like Abdul Samad and Naseem Shah are back in the T20 setup, while young spinner Usman Tariq receives his first-ever call-up. Salman Ali Agha will lead the T20I side, with Shaheen Shah Afridi continuing as the ODI captain. This reshuffle suggests Pakistan’s management is determined to create a balanced, future-ready team.

Haris Rauf and Fakhar Zaman Dropped

Haris Rauf’s omission stands out, following a poor Asia Cup campaign where his expensive spells, including a 50-run beating in the final against India, came under scrutiny. Fakhar Zaman’s inconsistency at the top only added to his woes. Both are now part of the reserves alongside spinner Sufiyan Moqim.

Mohammad Haris also finds himself out of the setup, paving the way for Usman Khan as the new wicket-keeper. Mohammad Rizwan remains out of T20I selection for now, likely as part of workload management ahead of Pakistan’s packed schedule.

Pakistan’s Squads for the Home Season

T20I Squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, 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

ODI Squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Babar Azam, Abrar Ahmed, 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

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Pakistan’s Home Season 2025 Highlights:

• South Africa T20Is: Oct 28 – Nov 1

• ODI Series: Nov 4 – 8

• Sri Lanka ODIs: Nov 11 – 15

• T20I Tri-Series (with Zimbabwe): Nov 17 – 29

Pakistan fans will be hoping Babar Azam’s comeback injects the spark the team sorely needs as they look to dominate the home season.