Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday (October 23) announced its T20I squad for the upcoming series against South Africa, marking the return of Babar Azam as captain. The right-handed batter from Lahore, Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in T20Is, was previously omitted from the Asia Cup 2025, where Pakistan lost thrice to India and finished runners-up. Alongside Babar, pace spearhead Naseem Shah makes a comeback. However, former captain and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan did not find a place in the squad. Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Sufiyan Moqim have been named as reserves, providing depth and flexibility for the team management. The series against South Africa comprises three T20Is and three ODIs, starting October 28. Rawalpindi and Lahore will host the fixtures. Following this, Pakistan will host Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series from November 11. Later, a T20I tri-series involving Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka is scheduled at Rawalpindi and Lahore, with Salman Ali Agha set to lead the side as captain. Read also: Marco Jansen’s Funny Stumping Escape vs Pakistan ODI Line-Up and Leadership Haris Rauf, Faisal Akram, and Haseebullah have been selected for the ODI leg against South Africa. The three ODIs will be the first under new captain Shaheen Afridi, who is expected to guide the team through the white-ball contests with strategic precision. Selectors emphasized a balance of experience and youth, aiming to stabilize Pakistan’s performance after the Asia Cup setback. Babar Azam’s return provides leadership continuity, while the inclusion of in-form players like Naseem Shah and Fakhar Zaman strengthens the squad’s competitiveness. Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures mark a crucial period ahead of the T20 World Cup, with back-to-back series testing team cohesion, bench strength, and adaptability in home conditions. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to gauge the team’s preparedness for global tournaments. T20I & ODI squads for Pakistan Pakistan T20I squad: Salman Ali Agha (C), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (WK), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (WK), Usman Tariq. Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim. Pakistan’s ODI squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (C), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.