Babar Azam, Naseem Shah Return for Pakistan T20 Series

Lahore, Oct 23 (PTI): Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Naseem Shah have been welcomed back into the T20 squad for the forthcoming home series against South Africa and a tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. This comes after Babar's absence from the T20 format since December last year. He rejoins along with the young hard-hitter Abdul Samad and the talented pacer Naseem Shah. The T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa is set to kick off in Rawalpindi and Lahore, running from October 28 to November 1.

The tri-series will then take over the same venues from November 17 to 29. Meanwhile, Pakistan and South Africa, who are currently competing in the second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, will participate in a three-match ODI series at Faisalabad's Iqbal Stadium, scheduled from November 4 to 8.

Following that, Pakistan will engage in another three-match ODI series, this time against Sri Lanka, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 11 to 15. Both Babar and Naseem are also included in Pakistan's ODI squad.

It appears Babar's return to the T20 format is due to the national selectors' urge to revamp the team after three successive losses to arch-rivals India in the recent Asia Cup, including a defeat in the final. His comeback is also attributed to Pakistan's batting issues in the shortest format and Babar's recent commendable form in the ongoing Test series against South Africa.

Noteworthy is the exclusion of veteran opener Fakhar Zaman and wrist spinner Sufyan Muqeem. Usman Khan, the wicketkeeper-batsman, has made it into the squad, although Muhammad Haris has been dropped. Additionally, mystery spinner Usman Tariq is the only uncapped player included in the T20I squad.

For the ODI squad, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, and Haseebullah have been recalled. The T20I squad will be led by Salman Ali Agha and includes key players like Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr. Not to be forgotten are stalwarts such as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz. Usman Khan will be taking over the wicket-keeping duties, and Usman Tariq joins as a promising new entrant.

In reserve, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Sufyan Moqim will be on standby. The ODI squad will see Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain, accompanied by experienced players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, with promising talent like Faisal Akram supplementing the lineup.

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