Pakistan’s premier batter Babar Azam and fast bowler Naseem Shah are reportedly in line for a comeback as the national selectors prepare to finalise the squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.
A source within the selection committee confirmed on Friday that no player has been ruled out of contention, stressing that all selections will be based purely on team requirements as Pakistan enter the final stretch of their preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
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If included, Babar’s return will mark his first T20I appearance since the 2024 tour of South Africa, while Naseem could also feature for the first time in the shortest format since facing Australia in November last year.
The selection committee, according to the source, is focused on assembling a balanced and competitive unit that reflects both recent form and long-term planning for the global event.
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The three-match T20I series will be played between October 28 and November 1, with the opening fixture in Rawalpindi, followed by two games at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The white-ball leg will continue with a three-match ODI series in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8.
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