Babar Azam IN – Haris Rauf OUT, Pakistan Announce White-Ball Squads for Home Season News24 –

Pakistan have unveiled their white-ball squads for a packed home schedule that includes four series – three T20Is against South Africa, back-to-back three-match ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, and a T20I tri-series also featuring Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.

The biggest talking point is the return of star batter Babar Azam to the T20I setup. Babar, who last featured in a T20I in December 2024, was dropped earlier this year and also left out of the Asia Cup squad. His comeback marks a significant shift as Pakistan look to rebuild their white-ball identity ahead of a busy international calendar.

While Babar is back, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan remains out of the T20I fold. Rizwan, who was dropped alongside Babar late last year, has not been recalled for the shortest format. Fast bowler Naseem Shah returns to the T20I squad, having not played in the format since November 2024. Meanwhile, Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman, and Sufiyan Muqeem have been named as reserves.

A fresh face in the squad is 27-year-old spinner Usman Tariq, who has earned his maiden national call-up. Tariq has been one of the standout performers in franchise cricket this year, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker in the Caribbean Premier League with 20 wickets in 10 matches. Earlier in the year, he made headlines after revealing that past issues with his bowling action stemmed from a rare physical condition – he described it as having “two elbows” in his arm.

In the ODI setup, Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the side. Mohammad Rizwan returns to the 50-over squad, while Faisal Akram, Haseebullah, and Haris Rauf are also back after missing the recent tour of the West Indies.

Pakistan’s selectors appear to be striking a balance between experience and experimentation – welcoming back proven performers while giving opportunities to emerging talent as the team gears up for a crucial stretch of international cricket at home.

Pakistan ODI Squad – vs South Africa & Sri Lanka

Pakistan T20I Squad – vs South Africa (bilateral), Zimbabwe & Sri Lanka (tri-series)