The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced balanced and competitive squads for an exciting home season that includes T20I and ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, along with a T20 tri-series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The selection reflects a deliberate mix of experience and youth, aimed at preparing the national side for upcoming ICC events.
The selectors have brought back Babar Azam and Naseem Shah, both of whom missed recent international assignments, while Abdul Samad also returns to the fold. The announcement marks a career milestone for Usman Tariq, who has earned his first national call-up as the only uncapped player in the T20I lineup.
The T20I series against South Africa will kick off in Rawalpindi on October 28, followed by matches in Lahore till November 1. Pakistan will then face South Africa and Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series to be held in Faisalabad and Rawalpindi through mid-November, wrapping up the country’s pre-winter home schedule.
The PCB said the new squads were selected with a focus on maintaining continuity while developing future-ready combinations. “We’ve tried to create a balance between experienced players and new performers, ensuring consistency in the core group,” a PCB official stated, adding that the upcoming home fixtures are key for building momentum ahead of Pakistan’s 2026 international calendar.
Squad Details
15-member 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 (wicketkeeper), Usman Tariq.
Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim.
16-member 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 (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.
In the ODI format, Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead a strong side featuring established stars Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman, supported by promising newcomers such as Hasan Nawaz, Haseebullah, and Faisal Akram. The selectors’ decision reflects a long-term vision to develop versatile players capable of adapting to multiple formats.
The PCB emphasized that the upcoming series will be a crucial platform for evaluating bench strength. “Our goal is to develop a competitive pool of players across formats,” the spokesperson said. “This season gives us an ideal opportunity to test combinations, especially for the ICC Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup in the coming years.”
Analysts view the inclusion of Babar Azam and Naseem Shah as pivotal for stabilizing the team’s batting and bowling cores. Babar’s return is expected to strengthen the top order after a period of experimentation, while Naseem’s recovery from injury boosts Pakistan’s fast-bowling options alongside Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.
The selection also continues the PCB’s recent policy of rewarding domestic performers. Rising players like Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz have earned continued faith after impressive domestic and franchise cricket outings. The presence of Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf adds all-round depth, giving selectors flexibility in both pace and spin departments.
Cricket observers noted that Pakistan’s home series will serve as vital preparation ahead of next year’s overseas tours. “The team management appears focused on identifying the best combinations early,” said a Lahore-based analyst. “It’s a chance to give emerging players exposure under home conditions before tougher away fixtures.”
The matches are expected to attract strong local crowds as Pakistan aims to reassert its dominance in home conditions. The PCB has confirmed that ticket details and match-day schedules will be released soon, with both Lahore and Rawalpindi preparing for packed venues.
With Salman Ali Agha taking the reins in T20Is and Shaheen Afridi continuing as ODI captain, Pakistan enters the series with renewed leadership energy. The blend of seasoned campaigners and young talent signals a clear strategy: to build a balanced, dynamic team capable of competing across formats on the global stage.
