Pakistan’s cricket team welcomed the return of star players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi for the upcoming T20I series against Australia. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the 16-member squad on Friday, ahead of the three-match series starting January 29 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Babar had cut short his Big Bash League stint to rejoin the national camp.
The squad includes senior players Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Tariq, and wicketkeepers Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Khan. Team preparations will begin on January 25, while Australia is scheduled to arrive a day before the series, marking just their second T20I series in Pakistan.
Read more: PAK vs AUS T20I series set to thrill fans
Australia’s squad features 17 players, with five top performers, including Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell, rested for the series. Pakistan aims to leverage its strong spin-bowling line-up of Shadab, Abrar, Nawaz, and Usman Tariq to challenge the visiting side. Matches will begin at 4pm PKT on January 29, 31, and February 1.
The PCB confirmed the team’s support personnel, including head coach Mike Hesson, bowling coach Ashley Noffke, and fielding coach Shane McDermott. Fitness, performance, and medical staff are also included, ensuring comprehensive preparation for the high-profile series.
Read more: Australia rest Cummins, Hazlewood, Maxwell for Pakistan T20 series
Fans in Lahore and across Pakistan eagerly await the clash as Babar and Shaheen return to lead the national side. The series is seen as an important step for Pakistan ahead of upcoming international tournaments, highlighting the team’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge.