Babar Azam Makes T20 Comeback, Pakistan Squad Announced for South Africa T20 Series: Big news has emerged in Pakistan cricket. Star batsman Babar Azam has returned to the T20 squad. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has included him in the squad for the upcoming T20 series against South Africa and the triangular T20 series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe next month.
Dropped after objections to his slow strike rate
Babar Azam last played T20 international cricket in December 2024. He was subsequently dropped from the T20 squad. The board objected to his slow strike rate, which is why he was not part of the team for the 2025 Asia Cup, where Pakistan lost to India in the final. But now, his return after a long hiatus has filled Babar Azam’s fans with joy.
Surprising changes in the team
The new T20 squad has seen several surprising changes. Experienced players like Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Haris have been dropped from the team. Meanwhile, fast bowler Naseem Shah, all-rounder Abdul Samad, and batsman Usman Khan have returned to the squad.
Salman Ali Agha will captain the T20 team
The T20 team will be led by Salman Ali Agha, who has consistently performed well in recent times.
Rizwan not included in the T20 squad, but included in the ODI squad
Interestingly, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has not been included in the T20 squad. However, he has been included in the ODI squad. Pakistan will play three ODIs against South Africa in November, featuring big names like Rizwan, Babar, and Shaheen Afridi.
Babar’s good performance in the Test series as well
Babar Azam has also performed well in the ongoing Test series between Pakistan and South Africa. In the second innings, he played a crucial 50 off 87 balls, leading the team in scoring. This was his first half-century in seven Test innings.
Hopes for a new beginning
Overall, Babar Azam’s return is being considered the beginning of a new chapter in his career. His T20 form had been questioned for a long time, but the board has once again expressed confidence in him. Now it will be interesting to see whether ‘Classic Babar’ can return to his old form and lead Pakistan to victory in the upcoming crucial series.
