Babar Azam, Naseem Shah return as Pakistan gears up for South Africa T20 series

WEB DESK: The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) National Selection Committee has finalised the national T20 squad for the upcoming home series against South Africa, with the official announcement expected next week. Earlier this week, Pakistan emerged victorious against the visitors in Lahore test.

Star batter Babar Azam will make his return to the shortest format, reclaiming leadership of the batting lineup after being rested for earlier matches. His comeback is expected to boost stability and experience at the top order. Fast bowler Naseem Shah, who missed several months due to injury, has been declared fully fit and will rejoin Pakistan’s pace attack alongside Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali.

Both teams arrived in Islamabad and received a warm welcome as traditional shawls were presented to them.

Selectors have retained young talents Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris, viewing them as key figures in Pakistan’s long-term T20 strategy. Meanwhile, underperforming all-rounders Khushdil Shah and Hussain Talat are likely to be dropped. Their exclusion paves the way for Irfan Niazi, a promising all-rounder expected to make his T20 debut.

According to insiders, the selection committee has focused on achieving the right balance between seasoned players and emerging talent, ensuring depth in both batting and bowling departments.

The Pakistan–South Africa T20 series will follow three ODIs, beginning October 28 and concluding November 1. The first T20 will be played in Rawalpindi, while the remaining two matches will be hosted at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Tickets for the white-ball series are already on sale, with ODI prices starting at Rs400 and T20 VIP tickets available for Rs800, as Pakistan prepares to welcome South Africa for a high-profile contest.