Babar Azam makes T20 return as Pakistan name squad for South Africa matches, tri-series Azad News HD
The Exclusion
To appreciate the significance of Babar Azam’s return, it helps to look at how he came to be excluded from the T20I side in the first place.
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Earlier in the year, for Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand national cricket team (March 2025), the PCB named a young-looking T20I squad which excluded both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
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Subsequently, ahead of the home series versus Bangladesh national cricket team in May 2025, the PCB again omitted both Babar and Rizwan from the T20I squad. The stated reason at the time was that the squad selection was heavily weighted on recent domestic performances (notably in the Pakistan Super League) and on the need for more aggressive intent in the T20 format.
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Ahead of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 and a tri-series in the UAE in August/September, Babar and Rizwan were once again omitted from the 17-member T20I squad, indicating that the selectors had actively shifted focus to fresh blood and new combinations in the shortest format.
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Behind the scenes, one of the issues flagged publicly by the coaching staff was that Babar’s T20 strike-rate and his approach against spin had been deemed not fully aligned with the evolving demands of modern T20 cricket. For example, in August 2025, head coach Mike Hesson stated that “Babar has been asked to improve in some areas around taking on spin and in terms of his strike-rate.”
So to summarise: by mid-2025, Babar Azam was out of favour in the T20I format for Pakistan, owing both to strategic shifts in selection and to certain performance concerns (relatively slow strike-rate, perceived need for greater aggression, issues against spin) even though he remained an established figure in other formats.
The Announcement: Return to T20I
In the PCB’s announcement on 23 October 2025, the following key points emerged regarding the squads:
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A 15-member T20I squad was named for the series versus South Africa (28 Oct – 1 Nov) and the subsequent tri-series (17 – 29 Nov) involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
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Within that T20I squad, Babar Azam is one of the returning players. Also listed as returning are Abdul Samad and Naseem Shah.
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The T20I squad also includes one uncapped player: Usman Tariq.
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A 16-member ODI squad was also named, for the series against South Africa (4–8 Nov) and Sri Lanka (11–15 Nov).
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Among the notable returns in the ODI squad are Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf and Haseebullah.
Thus, on the face of it, the selection committee and the PCB have signalled that Babar Azam remains part of the national T20I setup and have given him a pathway back into the side for the immediate series.
Why the Return Matters
The return of Babar Azam to Pakistan’s T20I side is significant for a number of reasons:
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Experience and stability: Babar Azam has been one of Pakistan’s premier batters across formats. While his T20I strike-rate had been under scrutiny, his class and experience in high-pressure situations remain considerable. Bringing him back adds stability to the batting line-up.
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T20 World Cup implications: With the next major global T20 tournament (ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026) on the horizon, every selection decision in the current home series and tri-series environment has a longer-term strategic dimension. Re-integrating a senior bat like Babar sends a message of readiness and adaptability.
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Balance between youth and experience: The PCB’s earlier push toward younger, more explosive T20 players had edged aside Babar and others. Now, the return signals perhaps a recalibration: blending youthful intent with the proven reliability of senior players.
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Public and media expectations: Babar remains a widely followed and revered figure in Pakistan cricket, so his inclusion is likely to resonate with fans and media alike. At the same time, his performance will be under intense scrutiny given his earlier omission and the reasons cited for it.
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Selection policy message: The board’s decision suggests that past omissions are not permanent; players who address their areas for improvement can make a comeback. It reinforces a merit-based narrative, albeit within the complex world of international cricket selection.
What Needs to Improve: The Babar Azam Checklist
If Babar Azam is to seize this opportunity and make a strong return, there are several areas on which the selectors and coaches have focused — either publicly or implicitly:
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Strike-rate in T20s: One of the main criticisms of Babar’s recent T20I involvement was that his strike-rate was deemed not aggressive enough for modern T20 dynamics. For example, as reported in August 2025, Hesson said Babar needed to improve in this regard.
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Batting against spin: Also cited by the coach were concerns about Babar’s ability to “take on spin” — particularly in the kind of wickets and tournaments Pakistan plays (sub-continental conditions). Success in this area would add a significant feather to his cap.
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Adaptation to evolving T20 demands: The T20 format has evolved rapidly; power-hitting, strike-rotation, versatility in batting positions, and ability to finish games have become increasingly important. Babar’s technique and class are undoubted, but he will need to demonstrate that he can consistently match the tempo and mindset of top T20 batters globally.
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Fitness and fielding standards: While not publicly flagged as a major issue in his case, it is fair to say that modern T20 demands high fitness levels, exceptional fielding, and all-round athleticism. Senior players often have to match or exceed these standards to justify selection.
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Capitalising on the return: When given an opportunity, making it count is essential. It’s not enough to be included; standout performances will ease any remaining selector hesitation and rebuild confidence in the fan-base.
Potential Scenarios and Implications
Scenario A: The comeback flourishes
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If Babar Azam returns to form in the upcoming T20I series and tri-series — for instance by scoring big, accelerating the run-rate, and perhaps contributing in fielding/flexibility roles — the selection will be vindicated.
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A strong showing could cement his place in Pakistan’s T20I plans leading into the 2026 T20 World Cup.
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It may also serve to bolster Pakistan’s batting depth and stability in the T20 format — where previously concerns about anchoring vs. explosion had been raised.
Scenario B: Return is modest / does not meet expectations
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If performances are middling (e.g., starts slowly, strike-rate remains average, fails against spin, or gets out cheaply), then selection questions will once again surface — particularly given his earlier omission on similar grounds.
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The selectors may revisit younger options or restructure the batting order to reduce dependence on senior players whose T20 pattern is under scrutiny.
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The narrative might shift back towards building exclusively around younger, more explosive talent — with Babar sliding into more of a specialist-ODI/Test or mentoring role.
Scenario C: Strategic role change
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It is possible that the PCB and selectors envisage a modified role for Babar Azam in T20s — for example, perhaps batting a bit lower in the order, focusing on stability rather than sheer explosion, or playing situationally (rather than every match).
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Such a role could still leverage his strengths (timing, technique, class) while acknowledging some of the limitations (strike-rate, adaptability) previously flagged.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s Selection Philosophy and T20 Evolution
The broader context of Pakistan’s T20 strategy helps to frame why Babar’s return is meaningful:
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In recent seasons, Pakistan’s T20I squads have undergone significant churn: younger players have been blooded, selection has emphasised intent, aggression, and power-hitting (particularly following Pakistan’s under-whelming performances in global tournaments). For example, earlier in 2025 the board explicitly opted for younger T20 squads, omitting senior figures.
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The balancing act for Pakistan is challenging: the nation possesses batting talent with class (Babar, Rizwan, etc.), yet the modern T20 game expects high strike-rates, quick starts, flexibility, and finishing ability. If senior batters are not seen to match that template, selectors may prioritise raw power or adaptation over experience.
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Babar Azam’s re-inclusion may suggest a recalibration: that selectors believe he has addressed (or can address) the earlier flagged issues, or at least that his experience is now deemed valuable enough to merit a renewed run despite the perceived risks.
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For Pakistan, T20 success is not just format-specific; it helps build momentum, squad depth, bench strength, and confidence for other formats. The inclusion of a player like Babar sends a message of intent: that Pakistan want to field their best available in T20s, not just experiment indefinitely.
How Should the Team Manage His Reintegration?
Some suggestions or considerations for how Pakistan might best manage Babar Azam’s reintegration into the T20I side:
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Starting role clarity: Define clearly where Babar will bat (e.g., top-order vs. slightly lower) and what his role is (anchor vs. aggressor). Ambiguity may hamper his impact.
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Transitions in batting order: Perhaps pair him with a more explosive partner at the other end so that the line-up balances stability + strike-power. The younger T20 batters around him can be used to escalate the run-rate, while Babar holds an anchor role.
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Match-by-match flexibility: Consider rotating Babar (or using him in key matches) rather than assuming he must play every T20I. That gives him space to rebuild confidence and adapt.
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Mentoring role: Given his experience, Babar can also be leveraged as a senior guiding voice in the dressing room, helping younger batters adapt to T20 demands. That builds longer-term value beyond immediate runs.
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Monitoring and feedback: Continuously track his strike-rate, scoring against spin, ability to change gears, and fielding contributions. If these metrics improve, then fine — if not, selectors might revisit.
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Communication to fans/media: Since his omission and return have been publicised, setting realistic expectations is important: his return is an opportunity, not a guarantee of dominance.
Key Dates and Fixtures
To keep the timeline in view:
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The T20I series vs. South Africa: 28 October to 1 November 2025, venues Rawalpindi & Lahore.
The T20I tri-series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe): 17 – 29 November 2025, same venues.
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The ODI series vs. South Africa: 4 – 8 November 2025, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.
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The ODI series vs. Sri Lanka: 11 – 15 November 2025, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
These fixtures provide Babar Azam with a clear runway to make his mark and stake a claim for longer-term inclusion.
Risks and Questions to Watch
While optimism is understandable, there are several caveats and questions that Pakistan cricket observers will be watching:
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Will Babar’s strike-rate improve sufficiently? His inclusion is predicated on him addressing this. If not, his role may be marginalised.
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Can he adapt his scoring pattern? In T20s, being able to accelerate (say, coming into the last 10 overs with a high strike-rate) is key. If he remains a ‘steady’ run-accumulator but lacks explosion, critics may argue he is mis-fit for modern T20s.
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Balance with younger players: If younger batters begin to outperform Babar consistently, selection questions will turn harsh. The selection committee will need to balance loyalty and opportunity.
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Fitness/fielding/workload: Though not heavily reported as issues, senior players are always at slightly higher risk of form/fitness dips; Pakistan will want Babar to demonstrate full energy to avoid being seen as a weak link.
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Team strategy vs individual role: Pakistan’s T20 strategy will need clarity: Are they playing a conservative anchor plus blast model, or pure power-hitting from the top? Babar’s role must align with the chosen strategy. If the strategy shifts away from anchors altogether, his inclusion may become contested.
What It Says About PCB and Selection Strategy
From a broader view, this development tells us something about how the PCB and selectors are thinking:
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The board is not dogmatic about youth or change; experienced players can be re-integrated if deemed ready.
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The coaching/selection team are signalling that performance and adaptability (especially to T20 demands) matter — return is conditional, not automatic.
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With a T20 World Cup on the horizon, Pakistan are clearly in a build-phase where they want options and depth. They are signalling that the best available players (including senior ones) will be considered, rather than exclusively focusing on new talent.
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The return of Babar may also send a message of stability and continuity — that Pakistan value heritage and experience alongside innovation.
What to Expect from Babar Azam in Upcoming Matches
Here are some realistic expectations and benchmarks for Babar Azam in the upcoming series:
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Initial impact: In his first one or two T20Is, fans will expect him to get into double-figures consistently, show positive intent (higher strike-rate than his recent T20 average) and contribute in the field.
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Key contributions: A half-century at a strike-rate significantly above his past T20 average would be a strong signal that he is back on track. Even a match-winning cameo could boost his case.
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Adaptiveness: Watch how he negotiates spin, particularly in Pakistani conditions (which may favour spinners). If he can dominate or at least rotate strike effectively then accelerate, that will be important.
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Role clarity: If he opens, the tempo early will matter; if he bats at turn–overs, then how he finishes the innings becomes relevant. His adaptation to the role assigned will be key.
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Fitness/fielding: No longer can batters coast on reputation alone. Babar will need to demonstrate sharpness in the field, contribute as a team member, and handle the rigours of the T20 schedule.
If he ticks many of these boxes, one might expect the selectors to commit to him for the next 12–18 months of T20 cricket (including build-up to the World Cup). If not, his role may revert to a specialist in ODIs/Tests or a backup in T20s.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Babar Azam in Pakistan’s T20I squad for the upcoming series is both a welcome return and a test. It is welcome because it brings back one of the nation’s premier batting talents, a player whose class and experience are undeniable. At the same time, it is a test because his return is not a guarantee of long-term inclusion — it is conditional on performance, adaptation to modern T20 demands, and alignment with team strategy.
For Pakistan cricket, this moment symbolises the balancing act between youth and experience, between raw power and batting maturity, and between the desired brand of T20 cricket (fast, aggressive, cutting-edge) and the reliability that senior players bring. Babar’s performance in the next few weeks will be watched keenly by fans, media, and selectors alike.
If he succeeds, his return will be seen as astute and mirroring Pakistan’s ambition to field their best in the T20 format as they gear up for global challenges. If he stutters, one suspects this will not be his last opportunity — but the path back may become less forgiving.
