Will Babar and Shaheen Make a Difference in Pakistan's T20I Squad Against Australia?
Synopsis
The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced its squad for the T20I series against Australia, featuring the return of key players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, this series serves as a pivotal moment for the team. Can they bounce back and perform at home?
Key Takeaways
Salman Ali Agha continues as captain.
Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi return to the squad.
Strong batting lineup with players in form.
Mohammed Rizwan's future in T20Is remains uncertain.
Key absentees include Harris Rauf.
Lahore, Jan 23 (NationPress) The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially revealed its 16-player roster for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, slated to kick-off on January 29 at Gaddafi Stadium. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha will continue to captain the team in this crucial series leading up to the T20 World Cup 2026, which commences on February 7.
Former captains Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi are making their return to the T20I lineup after being absent in the recent away series against Sri Lanka in January.
Babar has faced challenges with his performance in the ongoing BBL season, accumulating only 202 runs in 11 matches, with a concerning strike rate of 103.06. He departed his franchise before the playoffs to rejoin the national team, hoping to regain his form on home soil.
Pakistan’s batting core is notably robust, featuring in-form players like Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and Sahibzada Farhan. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammed Rizwan has again been left out, leaving uncertainty around his future in T20Is.
Shadab Khan will aim to strengthen his comeback from the previous T20I series, contributing to a formidable spin-bowling unit alongside Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Usman Tariq. The pace attack will be spearheaded by Shaheen, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Wasim Junior.
Notably, Harris Rauf, recognized as Pakistan's leading T20I bowler, is absent from the squad. He has been exceptional in the ongoing BBL, leading the season with 20 wickets in just 11 matches.
Pakistan's Squad:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), 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), and Usman Tariq.
Pakistan will kickstart its campaign in the T20 World Cup on February 7 against the Netherlands, with all group-stage matches set to be held in Colombo.
Point of View
I firmly believe that the return of experienced players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi can significantly boost Pakistan's chances in the upcoming T20I series against Australia. The team's composition reflects a balance of youth and experience, which is essential for performing well on home soil. It's crucial for our cricketing future, especially with the T20 World Cup looming.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the Pakistan T20I squad against Australia?
Salman Ali Agha is the captain of the Pakistan T20I squad for the series against Australia.
When does the T20I series against Australia start?
The T20I series against Australia begins on January 29.
Who are the notable absentees from the squad?
Notable absentees include Harris Rauf and Mohammed Rizwan.
Where will Pakistan play its matches in the T20 World Cup?
Pakistan will play all its group-stage matches in Colombo.
What is the significance of this T20I series?
This series is crucial for team preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
