The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced squads for a busy home season featuring T20Is and ODIs against South Africa and Sri Lanka, along with a T20 tri-nation series also involving Zimbabwe.
The national selection committee has recalled former captain Babar Azam to the T20I squad — his first inclusion since December 2024. His return marks a major comeback following Pakistan’s underwhelming performance in the 2025 Asia Cup, where his absence drew heavy criticism. The selectors see this as an opportunity for Babar to reestablish his place in the side ahead of the T20 World Cup next year.
Key Inclusions and Surprising Omissions
Alongside Babar, Abdul Samad and Naseem Shah have been recalled after missing recent series, while young spinner Usman Tariq has earned his maiden call-up, becoming the only uncapped player in the squad.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris has been dropped due to poor form and replaced by Usman Khan, who will take over wicket-keeping duties. Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Sufiyan Moqim have been moved to the reserves list for the T20Is.
Pakistan’s T20I Squad:
Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq
Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim
ODI Squad Features Major Returns
The ODI lineup also features several comebacks, including Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, and wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah. Babar Azam retains his place in both white-ball formats, while Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the side in the ODIs.
Pakistan’s ODI Squad:
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha
Packed Home Season Schedule
The home season begins with a three-match T20I series against South Africa, starting October 28 in Rawalpindi, followed by matches in Lahore on October 31 and November 1. Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium will then host a three-match ODI series from November 4 to 8.
Sri Lanka will arrive next for another three-match ODI series in Rawalpindi from November 11 to 15. The season concludes with a T20I tri-nation series between Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe from November 17 to 29, spread across Rawalpindi and Lahore.
The PCB hopes its strategic squad reshuffle will strengthen the team’s performance ahead of a crucial year of international cricket.
