Pakistan are reportedly set to recall skipper Babar Azam and star pacer Naseem Shah for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, marking an important phase in Pakistan’s build-up to next year’s T20 World Cup.
According to team sources, both players are “very much in contention” for the three-match series beginning October 28 in Rawalpindi, followed by games on October 30 and November 1 in Lahore. After that, the two sides will play a three-match ODI series from November 4 to 8 in Faisalabad.
Babar hasn’t featured in a T20I since the team’s last visit to South Africa earlier this year, while Naseem Shah’s most recent T20 appearance came in November 2024 against Australia. Selectors believe their return could provide much-needed balance to a side that’s been experimenting heavily with younger players in recent months.
A PCB official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “No one has been ruled out. The idea is to pick the best possible combination — form and fitness will decide everything.”
Babar’s inclusion, however, has reignited discussion over his strike rate in the shortest format. Earlier this year, team management advised him to adopt a more aggressive approach against spin if he wants to secure a permanent place in Pakistan’s T20 setup. Despite that, his leadership and consistency remain highly valued within the dressing room.
Naseem Shah’s comeback, meanwhile, will strengthen Pakistan’s pace battery alongside Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. Having recently recovered from a shoulder injury, Naseem impressed in domestic matches, showing the rhythm and control that made him one of Pakistan’s most promising young bowlers.
Selectors are also said to be considering including an additional spinner for the series, as conditions in Rawalpindi and Lahore could favor slow bowlers. “We don’t want completely flat tracks. Bowlers should have something to work with,” the source added.
With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, the series against South Africa is seen as a crucial testing ground for Pakistan’s final combination. For Babar and Naseem, it’s more than just a comeback — it’s a chance to reassert themselves as key pieces of Pakistan’s T20 puzzle.
