Babar Azam has returned to Pakistan's T20I squad.
Babar Azam, Naseem Shah return to Pakistan T20I squad
On Thursday (October 23), Pakistan announced their white-ball squads for four upcoming series; three T20Is against South Africa, back-to-back three-ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, and a T20I tri-series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, all at home.
Also read: Explained: Why Afghanistan have withdrawn from their T20I tri-series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka
The most significant news is the return of star batter Babar Azam to the T20I squad. Babar last played for Pakistan in the shortest format in December 2024, before being dropped. He was left out of the Asia Cup squad earlier this year as well.
Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, who was dropped at the same time, has not returned. Fast bowler Naseem Shah has also been recalled, having not played a T20I since November 2024. Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman and Sufiyan Muqeem have been named as reserves.
27-year-old spinner Usman Tariq has received his maiden call-up to the national team. Tariq made headlines earlier this year when he claimed the issues with his bowling action in the past were because of him having "two elbows" in his arm. He was the second-highest wicket-taker in the Caribbean Premier League this year, with 20 wickets in 10 games.
Rizwan is in the ODI squad, which will be led by fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. Left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram, left-handed batter Haseebullah and Rauf have returned after missing the tour of the West Indies.
Pakistan ODI squad for South Africa, Sri Lanka series
Batters: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haseebullah, Hassan Nawaz.
Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan.
All-rounders: Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.
Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah.
Pakistan T20I squad for South Africa bilateral, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka tri-series
Batters: Abdul Samad, Babar Azam, Hassan Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan.
Wicketkeepers: Usman Khan.
All-rounders: Salman Ali Agha (c), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub.
Bowlers: Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Tariq.
Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem.
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