Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming matches against South Africa, marking a significant reshuffle in the national set-up.
Babar Azam’s long-awaited return to Pakistan’s T20 team
The biggest news is the return Babar AzamPakistan’s leading batsman and former captain was included in the T20I squad after almost a year.
Babar last appeared in this format in December 2024 and his absence during Pakistan’s disappointing Asia Cup 2025 campaign was widely discussed. With the T20 World Cup around the corner, the selectors have opted for stability and experience while recalling the 29-year-old to strengthen the batting line-up.
Babar will play in the upcoming T20 series South Africa and a Tri-Nation tournament also involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. His inclusion signals a renewed focus on rebuilding Pakistan’s batting corps ahead of the global event.
Batting changes in Pakistan’s T20 team after disappointment in Asia Cup
Pakistan’s batting weaknesses in the Asia Cup 2025 played a major role in the latest selection decisions. The team struggled with a low strike rate and inconsistency, often failing to capitalize in the middle overs.
Fakhar Zaman, who primarily bats at the top of the order, has been dropped from the reserve list, paving the way for new players. Meanwhile, Abdul Samad and Naseem Shah have returned after missing recent tours, and 24-year-old spinner Usman Tariq has earned his first national call-up.
Salman Ali Aga has been retained as the captain of the T-20 team. Shaheen Shah Afridi appointed captain for ODIsThe Pakistan management appears to be balancing youth and experience while preparing for a busy domestic schedule.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris has also been dropped from the team due to poor scores, with Usman Khan included in his place.
Pakistan’s T20I squad for South Africa series
Salman Ali Aga (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saeem Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.
Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Mokim.
Pakistan’s ODI team for South Africa series
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasibullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Aga.
Also read: List of captains of Pakistan in ODI cricket ft Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan
