Babar Azam Returns To Red-Ball Setup As Pakistan Announce 20-Day Test Camp Ahead Of South Africa Series News24 –

After a turbulent year filled with selection snubs and speculation about his future, Babar Azam is set to return to Pakistan’s red-ball setup. The premier batter has been named among 11 players called up for a focused 20-day training camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, ahead of the upcoming home Test series against South Africa.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the development on Saturday, revealing that the players will report to the NCA on Monday, with the camp officially beginning on Tuesday, September 9 and running until September 28.

New Cycle, Fresh Opportunity

The upcoming two-match series against South Africa will mark Pakistan’s entry into the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, with the first Test scheduled for October 12 in Lahore, followed by the second in Rawalpindi on October 20.

This red-ball camp has been designed to provide technical, tactical, and physical support for players currently not participating in the ongoing Hanif Mohammad Trophy (four-day tournament). It will also serve as a key assessment window for national selectors ahead of the Proteas’ arrival.

The camp will be led by interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood, alongside the NCA coaching staff and support personnel.

“The camp has been designed to provide players with support to work on their skills, as well as to assess fitness ahead of a busy red-ball international and domestic season,” the PCB said in its statement.

The Comeback of Babar Azam

Babar Azam’s inclusion has turned plenty of heads and for good reason. The 29-year-old, widely considered one of Pakistan’s most technically gifted batters, was left out of the T20I squad for the Asia Cup 2025, prompting debate from fans and former players alike.

While his T20I form has been under scrutiny, his red-ball credentials remain solid. Babar last featured in Test cricket earlier this year, in a disappointing home loss to the West Indies in Multan. In that match, he scored just 1 and 31, falling to Gudakesh Motie and Kevin Sinclair respectively.

Yet, his recall to the Test camp sends a clear message: Babar remains in Pakistan’s plans for the longer format.

Young Guns and Rising Stars

Joining Babar in the camp is a promising mix of youth and experience, including:

Notably absent are Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah, both of whom are currently fulfilling franchise commitments in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025.

What’s at Stake?

With a new WTC cycle beginning, the upcoming series against South Africa is more than just another home assignment – it’s an opportunity for Pakistan to reset its red-ball ambitions under a fresh coaching setup and evolving player core.

For Babar Azam, it’s a chance to reaffirm his status in the Test side and perhaps even open the door to greater leadership responsibilities in the future.

And for Pakistan cricket fans, the camp is a reminder that amid the noise of white-ball formats, Test cricket and the pride it carries still matters.