Babar Azam Returns as Pakistan Announces Squads for South Africa and Sri Lanka Series
In what’s being hailed as one of the most anticipated announcements of the season, Babar Azam has officially returned to Pakistan’s white-ball setup. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), under the direction of its National Selection Committee, revealed revamped squads for the upcoming home series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, along with an action-packed T20I tri-nation tournament featuring Zimbabwe.
This announcement not only marks Babar’s comeback but also signals the start of a new chapter in Pakistan cricket — one that blends tested leadership with promising young talent, all set to perform in front of passionate home crowds.
Babar Azam’s Return: The Story of Redemption
It’s not just another recall — it’s a redemption arc.
After being dropped from Pakistan’s T20I squad in late 2024 following the Asia Cup disappointment, Babar Azam faced months of speculation about his form, leadership, and future. Yet, true to his reputation, the 30-year-old batting maestro has fought his way back into contention with runs, resilience, and renewed hunger.
His return isn’t symbolic — it’s strategic. Pakistan’s selectors know that Babar’s consistency, class, and calmness are vital as the team eyes the 2026 T20 World Cup. His presence adds both credibility and confidence to the dressing room.
“Babar remains one of our most reliable performers in pressure situations,” a PCB source noted. “This is not just about reputation; it’s about rebuilding Pakistan around experience and discipline.”
The T20I Squad — A Perfect Blend of Old and New
The T20I squad announced for the South Africa series and tri-nation tournament reflects Pakistan’s intent to refresh without a complete overhaul.
Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz, and Saim Ayub headline a lineup that’s designed to be aggressive yet adaptable.
New inclusion Usman Tariq, a young left-arm spinner from Sindh, gets his first international call-up — a move that shows PCB’s willingness to reward domestic excellence.
Meanwhile, Abdul Samad and Naseem Shah return after brief absences, strengthening both batting depth and pace firepower.
T20I Squad:
Salman Ali Agha, 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, Usman Tariq
Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim
However, the exclusion of Mohammad Haris — once seen as Pakistan’s next wicketkeeper-batter star — has caught attention. His recent poor run with the bat has opened the door for Usman Khan, who will take over wicketkeeping duties in the upcoming fixtures.
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A Shift in Selection Policy: Merit Over Reputation
Perhaps the most striking message from these squads is that performance now outweighs reputation.
Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Sufiyan Moqim — three players who have featured prominently in recent months — now find themselves among the reserves. PCB insiders reveal that the selection committee is focused on accountability and long-term planning, ensuring every player earns their spot through consistency.
The move has been welcomed by former players and analysts who’ve long argued that Pakistan’s biggest weakness wasn’t talent, but complacency.
ODI Squad — Depth, Discipline, and Direction
The ODI squad carries a familiar core, but with calculated changes. Faisal Akram returns as the spin option after an impressive domestic season, while Haris Rauf and Haseebullah also reclaim their spots.
Under the leadership of Shaheen Shah Afridi, the squad promises both aggression and tactical stability.
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 Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha
The inclusion of both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the same lineup signals PCB’s intent to rely on their senior pros for structure — particularly in a year when consistency will be key ahead of the Champions Trophy and other ICC fixtures.
The Schedule: Pakistan’s Home Season Heats Up
The home season officially kicks off with three T20Is against South Africa, starting October 28 in Rawalpindi, followed by matches in Lahore on October 31 and November 1.
The excitement then shifts to Faisalabad, where Iqbal Stadium will host three ODIs from November 4 to November 8.
Next up, Pakistan will welcome Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series in Rawalpindi (November 11–15) before wrapping up the season with a high-energy T20I tri-nation series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe from November 17 to 29, across Rawalpindi and Lahore.
For cricket fans, it’s a non-stop month of top-tier action — an opportunity to witness Pakistan’s new-look side in front of packed home crowds.
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Young Guns to Watch
While much of the spotlight will be on Babar, several young players are ready to make their mark:
- Usman Tariq: The uncapped spinner known for his drift and control.
- Hasan Nawaz: A hard-hitting all-rounder with a fearless batting approach.
- Saim Ayub: The stylish left-hander continues to impress with both power and timing.
Their inclusion underscores PCB’s renewed focus on grooming next-generation stars alongside established names.
The Significance of Babar’s Comeback
Beyond runs and rankings, Babar’s return brings leadership clarity.
His calm presence at the crease often dictates Pakistan’s batting rhythm — anchoring innings while giving stroke-makers like Saim Ayub and Usman Khan freedom to attack.
For Pakistan, this comeback is about more than nostalgia. It’s about trusting proven skill in a season of rebuilding. With the T20 World Cup just months away, Babar’s form could be the defining factor in Pakistan’s success.
Moreover, his reunion with Shaheen Afridi — Pakistan’s fiery pace leader — promises renewed balance between experience and youth, class and aggression.
Inside PCB’s Strategy for 2025
PCB’s selection philosophy this year revolves around versatility, fitness, and form.
Officials have emphasized rotational planning to manage player workloads ahead of a dense international calendar. The idea is to test multiple combinations at home before finalizing a stable squad for global events.
A PCB insider explained, “Our aim isn’t just to win series — it’s to identify the strongest 15 who can represent Pakistan consistently at the highest level.”
This shift reflects a more data-driven approach by selectors — focusing on matchups, strike rates, bowling economy, and fielding metrics — rather than relying purely on reputation or seniority.
Fans React — “The King is Back”
Moments after the announcement, social media exploded with excitement.
Hashtags like #BabarAzamReturns, #ShaheenLeads, and #GreenThunder began trending on X (formerly Twitter). Fans hailed PCB’s decision, calling Babar’s comeback “the best news of 2025.”
Cricket experts, too, praised the move. Former cricketer Rashid Latif commented that Pakistan’s batting “instantly looks more confident and organized with Babar back in the middle order.”
Across Lahore and Karachi, fans queued at ticket counters hoping to catch Babar live in the Rawalpindi and Lahore fixtures.
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A Defining Home Season Ahead
This home season could prove pivotal for Pakistan cricket. With Babar Azam back, fresh faces emerging, and Shaheen Afridi steering the ship, Pakistan’s white-ball teams appear more balanced and dangerous than they’ve been in years.
Every game from late October to the end of November will serve as both preparation and audition — a test of adaptability, leadership, and mental strength.
For now, one thing is certain: Pakistan cricket feels alive again. The energy, anticipation, and belief are back — all because the man who defined a generation of batting brilliance is once again wearing the green jersey.
