Babar and Naseem Return to Strengthen Pakistan’s White-Ball Line-up
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the national squads for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa, marking the return of former captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Naseem Shah to the T20 setup. The move is seen as a significant step toward rebuilding Pakistan’s strength and stability in limited-overs cricket ahead of a packed international calendar.
The selection includes a 15-member T20 squad and a 16-member One-Day International (ODI) squad, both of which will also represent Pakistan in the upcoming tri-nation series and the Sri Lanka ODI series scheduled later this year.
Leadership Roles for Agha Salman and Shaheen Afridi
The PCB has entrusted Agha Salman Ali with the captaincy of the T20 side, while Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the ODI team. Both players have been key figures in Pakistan’s recent campaigns, and their elevation to leadership positions signals a transitional phase for the national team.
Babar Azam last played a T20 international on 13 December 2024, also against South Africa. His return, along with Naseem Shah’s comeback after injury, is expected to add much-needed experience and balance to the squad.
Schedule: South Africa Series and Busy Season Ahead
Pakistan will host South Africa for a three-match T20 series from 28 October to 1 November 2025, followed by a three-match ODI series in Faisalabad from 4 to 8 November.
The home season will continue with a tri-nation T20 series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe from 17 to 29 November, to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore. In between, Pakistan will also face Sri Lanka in a bilateral ODI series from 11 to 15 November at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
This packed schedule is expected to test Pakistan’s squad depth and provide opportunities for younger players to prove their mettle at the international level.
New Faces and Key Inclusions
The most notable inclusion in the T20 squad is Usman Tariq, who has earned his maiden call-up following impressive performances in domestic cricket. Abdul Samad, Babar Azam, and Naseem Shah also make their return to the T20 lineup.
In the ODI squad, Faizal Akram, Haris Rauf, and Haseebullah have been recalled after periods out of the national side. The mix of senior and emerging players suggests that the selectors are aiming to build a flexible squad capable of adapting to different conditions and formats.
Pakistan’s Full T20I Squad
Captain: Salman Ali Agha
Players: Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wk), and Usman Tariq.
Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem.
Pakistan’s ODI Squad
Captain: Shaheen Shah Afridi
Players: Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.
Experienced Core and Emerging Talent
Selectors appear to have struck a balance between experience and youth. Babar Azam’s inclusion is expected to stabilize the top order, while Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah bring pace and aggression to the bowling attack.
Young talents like Saim Ayub and Usman Tariq are seen as future stars, with selectors keen on grooming them through regular exposure to international cricket. Meanwhile, the inclusion of all-rounders such as Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz adds versatility to both squads.
Strategic Focus Ahead of 2025-26 Season
This announcement comes at a time when Pakistan is looking to rebuild its white-ball squads ahead of next year’s major tournaments. Following inconsistent performances in 2024, the PCB has prioritized stability and performance-based selection.
Team Director Mohammad Hafeez and Head Coach Gary Kirsten are expected to work closely with both captains to refine game strategies and ensure player fitness throughout the upcoming series.
The return of senior figures like Babar Azam and Naseem Shah is expected to boost morale in the dressing room and provide guidance to younger players. Analysts believe that if managed well, this blend of experience and youth could mark a turning point in Pakistan’s white-ball cricket journey.
