Pakistan has announced its player rosters for the upcoming home series against South Africa. A 15-member squad has been chosen for the T20s, and a 16-member squad for the ODIs. These same teams will also represent the country in the upcoming tri-series and the ODI series against Sri Lanka.
The most significant development is the return of former captain Babar Azam to the T20 squad after nearly a year. His last T20 match was on December 13, 2024, also against South Africa. Fast bowler Naseem Shah is also making his return alongside him.
Leadership responsibilities have been split: Salman Ali Agha will captain the T20 team, while Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the ODI side.
Usman Tariq has been included in the T20 squad for the first time, marking a major moment in his career. Abdulsamad, Babar Azam, and Naseem Shah are the players returning to the T20 team. In the ODI squad, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, and Haseebullah have been recalled.
Cricket fans have a busy schedule ahead. The T20 series between Pakistan and South Africa will run from October 28 to November 1. Following that, the ODI series will be played in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8.
Immediately after, an ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will take place in Rawalpindi from November 11 to 15. Then, a T20 tri-series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will be held in Rawalpindi and Lahore from November 17 to 29.
T20 Squad Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdulsamad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), and Usman Tariq. Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem.
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 Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha.
