Babar Azam Returns as Pakistan Unveils 2025 Home Squads
Pakistan recalls Babar Azam for 2025 home series as PCB announces squads for South Africa, Sri Lanka, and tri-nation T20Is.
Israr Ahmed
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced its men’s squads for a busy home white-ball season, featuring T20I and ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, along with a Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
The biggest headline from the announcement is the return of former captain Babar Azam to Pakistan’s T20I and ODI setups. This marks his first appearance since December 2024, as selectors aim to stabilize the batting lineup ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
A Fresh Start for Pakistan’s White-Ball Squad
The National Selection Committee has unveiled two balanced squads a 15-member T20I team and a 16-member ODI team blending experienced campaigners with promising newcomers.
Former skipper Babar Azam’s recall signals Pakistan’s intent to rebuild leadership within the side after inconsistent performances in the 2025 Asia Cup. Alongside Babar, Abdul Samad and Naseem Shah have also made their return, while Usman Tariq, a rising spinner, has earned his first-ever international call-up, becoming the only uncapped player this season.
Selectors have opted for a performance-driven approach, leaving out Mohammad Haris due to poor form, with Usman Khan replacing him as the wicket-keeper. Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Sufiyan Moqim have been shifted to the reserves list.
Pakistan’s T20I Squad
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Main Squad | Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq |
| Reserves | Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim |
ODI Squad Brings Stability and Balance
The ODI team sees the return of Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, and Haseebullah all set to reinforce Pakistan’s depth in both pace and batting. Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the bowling unit, while Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan anchor the batting department.
Pakistan’s ODI Squad
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Main Squad | Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha |
Home Series Schedule
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T20I Series vs South Africa: October 28 – November 1 (Rawalpindi & Lahore)
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ODI Series vs South Africa: November 4 – 8 (Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad)
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ODI Series vs Sri Lanka: November 11 – 15 (Rawalpindi)
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Tri-Nation T20I Series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe): November 17 – 29 (Rawalpindi & Lahore)
Key Talking Points
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Babar Azam’s comeback after a 10-month absence sets the tone for a leadership revival.
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Usman Tariq’s debut adds fresh spin options.
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Performance accountability evident as underperformers like Haris and Fakhar are benched.
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PCB’s rotation policy signals preparation for T20 World Cup 2026.
Expert View
Cricket analysts believe that Babar’s comeback could be a turning point for Pakistan’s white-ball revival. “Babar brings balance and calm to the middle order. His inclusion ahead of the World Cup cycle is crucial,” said former selector Rashid Latif.
On the bowling front, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah’s pairing will be the key to Pakistan’s success, especially in home conditions expected to favor both pace and spin.
What’s Next
The action begins in Rawalpindi on October 28, with Pakistan taking on South Africa in the first T20I. PCB aims to use this home season as a testing ground for new talent and a confidence boost before global competitions in 2026.
With a mix of experienced stars and hungry youngsters, Pakistan’s 2025 home season promises to be a defining chapter in its white-ball journey.
Final Thoughts
The PCB’s selection marks a bold and balanced reset, bringing back Babar Azam while rewarding young performers. As Pakistan prepares for a packed November, the eyes of fans and critics alike will be on how these fresh combinations perform on home soil.
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