The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced squads for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, as well as the T20 tri-series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe — with star players Babar Azam and Naseem Shah making their much-anticipated return to the national side.
In a statement, the PCB confirmed that Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Abdul Samad have been recalled to the T20I squad after missing recent assignments. Rising player Usman Tariq has earned his maiden call-up as the only uncapped player in the T20I line-up.
The Pakistan vs South Africa T20I series will kick off on October 28 in Rawalpindi, with matches scheduled across Rawalpindi and Lahore until November 1.
The ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka will follow from November 4 to 8 at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, while another three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka will take place in Rawalpindi from November 11 to 15.
Pakistan T20I Squad (15-member):
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicket-keeper), Usman Tariq.
Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim
Pakistan ODI Squad (16-member):
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.
Focus on Balance and Experience
The selection reflects a mix of youth and experience, with selectors opting to retain core performers while giving opportunities to emerging players such as Hasan Nawaz and Usman Tariq.
Babar Azam’s comeback is expected to bolster Pakistan’s top order, while Naseem Shah’s return strengthens the pace attack alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.
The upcoming home fixtures are seen as a crucial step in Pakistan’s preparations for next year’s ICC events, with selectors aiming to fine-tune combinations across formats.
