Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a big U-turn recalled Babar Azam to the T20I squad for the three-T20I series against South Africa, tri series at home. While head coach Mike Hesson said that Babar may be picked if he performs well in the Big Bash League (BBL) for Sydney Sixers, he has been recalled after their T20 Asia Cup 2025 final defeat to India. Alongside Babar, pacer Naseem Shah has been recalled as well.
Several players have been dropped from the squad including Hussain Talat, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, Hasan Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem and Khushdil Shah. Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf are among two reserves for the series. Rauf was taken to the cleaners by India batter in the T20 Asia Cup 2025 final whereas Zaman was not at his best in the tournament.
Wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan has been recalled alongside Abdul Samad. Mystery spinner Usman Tariq is set to make his debut.
The T20I series will begin on October 28. They will play a tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe which is scheduled to take place from November 17 to 29.
Pakistan’s T20I squad vs South Africa and tri-series:
Salman Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
Rauf returns to ODIs
Pakistan also announced their squad for the three-ODI series against South Africa from November 4 to 8. As announced earlier, Shaheen Afridi has replaced Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain. Rauf has returned to the ODI squad. Faisal Akram and Haseebullah are set for their ODI return as well.
Pakistan’s ODI squad vs South Africa
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha.