Lahore, October 17, 2025: Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam and pace spearhead Naseem Shah are being considered for a comeback to the T20 International format as the national selectors finalise the squad for the upcoming three-match series against South Africa, a private news channel claimed citing sources.
A member of the national selection committee confirmed that all players are currently available for selection and that “no one has been ruled out.”
White-ball regulars, including former captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Naseem Shah, remain firmly in contention. “No player will be overlooked if the team requires them,” the source added.
If picked, 31-year-old Babar will make his T20I return after last featuring against South Africa in 2024 on their home soil, while Naseem last represented Pakistan in the format against Australia in November 2024.
With preparations for the T20 World Cup entering their final stages, selectors are keen to field the best available talent for the South Africa series, which will also serve as a key testing ground ahead of the global event.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly directed curators not to prepare flat batting tracks for the series. The move aims to counter South Africa’s powerful batting lineup by ensuring pitches offer some assistance to bowlers—especially spinners—rather than favouring high-scoring contests.
There is also a strong possibility of adding an extra spinner to the squad, with final discussions on selection still underway.
The three-match T20I series will take place from October 28 to November 1, with the first match in Rawalpindi and the remaining two at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The tour will conclude with a three-match ODI series from November 4 to 8, with all fixtures scheduled at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.
