🇵🇰 Babar’s Comeback Sparks Excitement! PCB Announces Squads for Upcoming White-Ball Battles

Babar Azam Returns to Pakistan T20I Squad as PCB Announces White-Ball Teams

Lahore: Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been recalled to the national T20I squad as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday unveiled teams for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.

The National Selection Committee has announced a 15-member T20I squad for the series against South Africa, scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from October 28 to November 1. The same squad will represent Pakistan in a T20I tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe at the same venues from November 17 to 29.

Babar, Naseem, and Samad Make Their Comeback

According to a PCB statement, Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Abdul Samad have returned to the T20 lineup after missing recent tournaments. The squad also includes Usman Tariq, who has earned his maiden call-up and is the only uncapped player in the team.

ODI Squad Announced for South Africa and Sri Lanka Series

The PCB has also revealed a 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka.

Following the conclusion of the ongoing Test series between Pakistan and South Africa, the two sides will contest a three-match ODI series in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8. This will be followed by another three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi from November 11 to 15.

In the ODI setup, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, and Haseebullah have made their return to the national side, strengthening the bowling and middle-order options for the team.

Babar’s Exclusion and Comeback

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were previously rested from the T20 squad for the Asia Cup and a warm-up tri-series, with Salman Ali Agha captaining the side during that phase.

Head coach Mike Hesson had earlier stated that Babar was advised to work on improving his strike rate and performance against spin, which played a part in his temporary exclusion. His return signals that the management is satisfied with his progress.

Pakistan Squads

T20I Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), 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 (wk), Usman Tariq.
Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim.

ODI Squad:
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 (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.