The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the national squads for the South Africa and the T20 tri-nation series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The announcement brings a mix of experience, youth, and a few surprises as Pakistan prepares for a packed home season.
The selections come at an important time, with Pakistan aiming to fine-tune their combinations ahead of the major global tournament, the T20 World Cup, next year. After months of experimentation and injury concerns, the squads for the South Africa and the T20 Tri-series suggest a more settled direction for the team. One built around leadership, consistency, and aggressive intent across both formats.
Babar Azam Returns to T20I Side
After a short break from T20Is, Babar Azam has been recalled, a move that was expected by fans and analysts alike after Pakistan’s middle order’s horrendous performances in the Asia Cup. His return strengthens the top order as Pakistan gears up for a busy stretch of international cricket.
Young batters Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan retain their places, while Usman Khan, the wicket-keeper batter, returns in place of Muhammad Harris, and Usman Tariq, a promising left-arm spinner, earns his maiden call-up after an impressive domestic PSL and CPL seasons.
Shaheen Afridi to Lead the ODI Squad for the South Africa series
Shaheen Shah Afridi has been confirmed as the ODI captain, with Mohammad Rizwan continuing as the first-choice wicketkeeper after being sacked from the ODI captaincy. The squads for South Africa and the tri-series feature a balanced core of senior players and emerging talent, with an eye firmly on the ICC World Cup 2027.
Regulars like Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed remain part of the setup, while Faisal Akram and Haseebullah make returns after standout domestic seasons. Pakistan’s fast-bowling attack — led by Shaheen, Naseem Shah and Wasim Jr. continues to be their biggest strength in white-ball cricket.
Complete Squads for the South Africa and T20 Tri-series
T20I Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (capt), Babar Azam, Abdul Samad, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq
Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim
ODI Squad:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha
Schedule
- T20Is vs South Africa: Oct 28 – Nov 1 (Rawalpindi & Lahore)
- ODIs vs South Africa: Nov 4 – 8 (Faisalabad)
- T20 Tri-Series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe): Nov 17 – 29 (Rawalpindi & Lahore)
What’s next for the Pakistan Cricket team
The new-look squads for the South Africa and T20 Tri-series reflect Pakistan’s intention to strike a balance between stability and experimentation. With familiar faces returning and fresh ones earning deserved recognition, the tone is clearly set for a bold, forward-looking approach. As the home season unfolds, fans will be eager to see whether this blend of composure and firepower can help Pakistan regain its lost glory.
