Pakistan has announced strong white-ball squads as preparations intensify for next year’s ICC T20 World Cup, with Babar Azam and Naseem Shah making their return to the national side. The squads will take part in a busy home season featuring South Africa, Sri Lanka, and a T20I tri-series involving Zimbabwe.
Former captain Babar Azam and pace spearhead Naseem Shah are back in the T20I setup after missing recent matches against the West Indies and the Asia Cup. Fast bowler Haris Rauf also returns to the ODI squad, joining Faisal Akram and Haseebullah as part of the three players recalled to the 50-over format. Pakistan will host South Africa for three T20Is and three ODIs starting October 28, followed by Sri Lanka’s ODI tour beginning November 11.
The T20I tri-series between Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe will be held in Rawalpindi and Lahore later in November, with Salman Ali Agha continuing as captain. These fixtures mark crucial match practice before the T20 World Cup, allowing selectors to fine-tune the squad and assess player combinations under home conditions.
The ODI matches against South Africa will be the first under Shaheen Shah Afridi’s leadership, as the left-arm pacer takes over the captaincy. Both squads feature a blend of experience and youth, with consistent performers like Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, and Faheem Ashraf included alongside emerging talents such as Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, and Usman Khan.
The T20I squad includes 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, and Usman Tariq, with Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Sufiyan Moqim named as reserves.
The ODI squad is led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and features 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, and Salman Ali Agha.
Pakistan’s home schedule begins with South Africa’s tour: T20Is on October 28 in Rawalpindi and October 31 and November 1 in Lahore, followed by ODIs on November 4, 6, and 8 in Faisalabad. Sri Lanka’s tour follows with ODIs on November 11, 13, and 15 in Rawalpindi. The tri-series starts November 17 in Rawalpindi and concludes with the final on November 29 in Lahore.
With key players returning and a packed fixture list, Pakistan’s renewed focus on building a balanced and competitive squad reflects its ambition to make a strong impact at the T20 World Cup.
