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Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi Return as Pakistan Name Squad for Australia T20Is

Pakistan has announced a 16-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Australia starting January 29. The squad marks the return of key players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi to the T20I setup. The series, to be played entirely in Lahore, serves as vital preparation for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Pakistan recently drew a T20I series with Sri Lanka and won a home tri-series prior to this announcement.

Key Points: Pakistan Squad for Australia T20I Series Announced

  • Babar Azam & Shaheen Afridi return
  • Squad announced for 3-match home series
  • Crucial prep for T20 World Cup
  • All matches at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium
2 min read

Pakistan announce 16-member squad for T20I series against Australia

Pakistan names 16-member T20I squad vs Australia. Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi return. Series starts Jan 29 in Lahore, key World Cup prep.

"The team will see the return of the experienced duo of Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi - ICC"

New Delhi, January 23

Pakistan have announced their 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series at home against Australia, which starts January 29. The team will see the return of the experienced duo of Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi in the T20I setup, according to the ICC's website.

Babar and Shaheen had missed Pakistan's T20I series in Sri Lanka earlier in January, while featuring in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 season.

Shadab Khan is set to boost Pakistan's spin bowling unit, which also includes Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq.

Pakistan and Australia will face off in three T20Is. The series opener will be played on January 29, with the second match set to be played on January 31 and the third match set for February 1. All three matches will be played at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.

The three-match series will serve as crucial preparation for both Australia and Pakistan ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which starts on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

In the World Cup, Pakistan are in Group A alongside the USA, Namibia, the Netherlands and co-hosts India. Meanwhile, Australia are part of Group B with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Oman and Zimbabwe.

Pakistan faced Sri Lanka in three T20Is earlier in the month. The series was drawn, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka each winning one match, and one match abandoned due to rain. Prior to the Sri Lanka series, Pakistan played a home T20I tri-series that saw Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Pakistan compete. Pakistan won the T20I tri-series.

Pakistan T20I squad for T20Is against Australia: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan and Usman Tariq.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Interesting squad selection. Salman Ali Agha as captain? That's a surprise. I thought they might stick with Shaheen for the T20I leadership. Anyway, hope it's a competitive series. Australia are always tough opponents. 🏏
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Aman W
As an Indian fan, I just hope both teams have a great series and no key players get injured before the World Cup. We want a full-strength Pakistan team when they come to India for the group match! That's the match everyone is waiting for. 🇮🇳
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Sarah B
The spin department looks packed with Shadab, Abrar, Nawaz, and Usman Tariq. Playing all matches at Gaddafi Stadium might give them a slight home advantage. Should be a good warm-up for the big tournament.
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Karthik V
Honestly, the constant chopping and changing in the Pakistan squad and captaincy is confusing. How can a team build consistency? With the World Cup so close, they need to settle their best XI. Just my two cents.
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Nisha Z
Good to see cricket being played. The focus should be on the sport. May the best team win. Hoping for some thrilling last-over finishes! 🤞

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