The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the Pakistan Cricket Team squads for the upcoming white-ball series and the Tri-Series T20 tournament against South Africa. The new lineup brings a mix of experienced players and fresh faces, signaling the board’s focus on both performance and long-term development.
According to the announcement, Babar Azam and Naseem Shah have made a much-anticipated return to the T20 squad, while Usman Tariq has earned his first-ever call-up. Mohammad Rizwan, who was recently removed from captaincy, finds a place in the ODI team, and Saim Ayub has been retained in both squads despite a disappointing show during the Asia Cup 2024.
Pakistan T20 Squad Brings Back Big Names
The Pakistan Cricket Team for the T20 series against South Africa includes several key names who have previously been instrumental in the national setup. Salman Ali Agha will lead the side, with Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi forming the team’s backbone. The inclusion of Usman Tariq marks a significant moment for the young player, who impressed selectors with his domestic performances.
The complete T20 squad includes:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hassan Nawaz, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Wasim Jr., Muhammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan, and Usman Tariq.
Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Sufyan Muqim have been placed in reserve, offering strong backup options should the need arise.
ODI Squad Features Strong Leadership and Balance
The Pakistan ODI team has been announced with Shaheen Afridi taking on the captaincy role. His leadership, paired with the return of senior players like Babar Azam, is expected to bring much-needed balance and stability to the lineup.
The ODI squad includes:
Shaheen Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha.
The Pakistan Cricket Team management has emphasized continuity, noting that the same squads will represent Pakistan in both the white-ball series and the Tri-Series T20 tournament.
Babar Azam and Naseem Shah Return to Strengthen Squad
The return of Babar Azam and Naseem Shah has been one of the most discussed points among cricket fans. Babar’s batting experience and ability to anchor the innings make him a crucial asset for Pakistan’s middle order. Naseem Shah’s inclusion, on the other hand, adds firepower to the pace attack — something Pakistan has always relied upon in high-pressure matches.
The Pakistan Cricket Board hopes that these senior players will not only boost team morale but also mentor the younger squad members. Their presence could prove vital in tough match situations, especially against a strong opponent like South Africa.
Saim Ayub Retained Despite Recent Form
One of the more surprising decisions in the Pakistan Cricket Team squads announcement is the retention of Saim Ayub. Despite his poor performance in the Asia Cup, the selectors have shown faith in the young batter’s potential. They believe that exposure to more international matches will help him refine his game and regain form.
Saim’s aggressive batting style and flexibility as a top-order player make him a valuable long-term investment for Pakistan’s T20 setup.
Focus on Balance and Future Planning
The PCB’s decision to bring in young players such as Usman Tariq, Hassan Nawaz, and Haseebullah shows the board’s intent to build depth for the future. The mix of youth and experience in both squads reflects a well-thought-out strategy aimed at maintaining balance while preparing for upcoming international tournaments.
The selectors have focused on creating a lineup that can adapt to various match conditions while maintaining a competitive edge. With seasoned players like Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Rizwan providing leadership, the Pakistan Cricket Team looks poised for a strong showing.
Upcoming Challenges for Pakistan
Facing South Africa in both ODI and T20 formats will test Pakistan’s tactical adaptability and consistency. The South African side is known for its powerful batting lineup and disciplined bowling, which will demand top-level performance from Pakistan’s bowlers and fielders.
The Tri-Series T20 will serve as an excellent opportunity for Pakistan to experiment with player combinations and finalize a stable playing XI ahead of future international commitments, including the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
The Pakistan Cricket Team squads for the South Africa white-ball series and the Tri-Series T20 showcase a blend of strategy, confidence, and renewal. With experienced campaigners like Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi leading the charge, and young players like Usman Tariq eager to prove themselves, Pakistan seems well-prepared for a competitive series ahead.
As fans eagerly await the first match, the focus will remain on how effectively the Pakistan Cricket Board’s selection strategy translates into on-field success. If the players can find the right balance between experience and innovation, Pakistan may well emerge as a dominant force in international cricket once again.
