Pakistan have announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia in Lahore. The series will be played at Gaddafi Stadium on January 29, January 31, and February 1. All matches will begin at 4pm Pakistan Standard Time. The announcement marks the return of former captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. Both players missed Pakistan’s recent T20I series in Sri Lanka, which ended in a drawn result. Their return significantly strengthens the side ahead of major international commitments.
The squad reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent. Salman Ali Agha has been named captain for the series. Meanwhile, Shadab Khan continues his comeback and will play a central role in Pakistan’s spin department. He will be supported by Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Usman Tariq. This combination offers variety and control, especially in home conditions. Additionally, the pace attack includes Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Faheem Ashraf. This unit provides depth and flexibility across different match situations.
Australia are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on January 28. This will be only their second T20I series on Pakistani soil. Previously, they played a solitary T20I at the same venue in April 2022. The upcoming tour also marks Australia’s third visit to Pakistan since their historic return in 2022. That tour included a Test series, followed by ODIs and a one-off T20I. Since then, Australia have also played matches in Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The series carries added significance due to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The global event will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands, and Namibia. Australia will compete in Group B with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman. Therefore, both teams will treat this series as a critical preparation phase.
Historically, Pakistan and Australia have faced each other 28 times in T20 internationals. Australia have won 14 matches, while Pakistan have secured 12 victories. One match ended in a tie, and another produced no result. These numbers underline the competitiveness of the rivalry. Playing conditions in Lahore are expected to offer balanced contests between bat and ball.
The squad and support staff will assemble in Lahore on Saturday. Preparations will begin the following day with focused training sessions. The Pakistan Cricket Board aims to ensure optimal readiness and team cohesion. Overall, the series is expected to attract strong attention from fans and analysts. It also presents Pakistan with an opportunity to fine-tune combinations before the World Cup.
Pakistan T20I squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
