Babar Azam and Shah Afridi return as Pakistan announce T20I squad for upcoming Australia series

Pakistan have brought back their experienced players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi to their T20I team for the upcoming three-match home series against Australia, which will take place in Lahore later this month. The series will be Pakistan’s final T20I assignment ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Both Babar and Shaheen had missed Pakistan’s recent away series against Sri Lanka due to their Big Bash League (BBL) commitments. The team benefits from their experience and leadership abilities because Pakistan needs to finalize their player combinations who will participate in the international tournament. The team will gain from Shaheen's return because he will make his first appearance after missing time due to a knee ligament injury which he sustained during the BBL.

Haris Rauf dropped as Pakistan finalise combinations before Australia series

The selectors still support Babar despite his challenging BBL season with the Sydney Sixers because he faced criticism for his strike rate performance. Pakistan Cricket Board officials have signalled continuity over short-term form, placing trust in Babar’s proven T20I pedigree and ability to deliver on the international stage.

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The main focus of the squad announcement revolves around fast bowler Haris Rauf who did not make the cut. The right-armer has been outstanding during the BBL 2025–26 season because he became the tournament’s top wicket-taker through his 20 wickets for the Melbourne Stars. His costly performance during the Asia Cup 2025 final against India has created a negative impression which caused the selectors to rank him lower in their evaluations.

Pakistan has selected a balanced bowling attack which includes Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq as its primary spin bowlers and Shaheen Afridi serving as the main fast bowler who leads his team with Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jnr. The series will function as the last evaluation round for reserve players because Pakistan approaches the process of choosing their World Cup team. The upcoming series will start on January 28 when Australia arrives in Lahore which creates an opportunity for Pakistan to develop their strategies for the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan T20I squad vs Australia

Salman Ali Agha (C), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr., Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (WK), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (WK), Usman Tariq