Shaheen Shah Afridi and Babar Azam have been named in Pakistan’s 16-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Australia, starting next week in Lahore, a selection that underlines continuity over recent form as the countdown to the T20 World Cup begins.
Afridi returns to international cricket for the first time since suffering a knee ligament injury during the Big Bash League last month. The left-arm fast bowler is expected to lead a varied pace attack alongside Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Salman Mirza. Babar, meanwhile, has retained his place despite a difficult BBL campaign in which he struggled for fluency and consistency.
Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, who impressed on debut in Sri Lanka earlier this month, continues as the designated wicketkeeper, with Usman Khan and Sahibzada Farhan also included. The spin department features Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq, giving Pakistan multiple options in home conditions.
Notably absent is Haris Rauf, despite a prolific BBL season in Australia. The fast bowler, Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament, remains out of favour following an expensive spell in the Asia Cup final last year.
The Australia series is Pakistan’s final assignment before the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and is expected to be the last opportunity for players to secure a place in the global tournament squad.
Pakistan T20I squad for Australia series Salman Ali Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) Usman Tariq
