The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Australia. The series will be played in Lahore later this month. The announcement was made on Friday.
The T20I squad includes star batter Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. Their inclusion adds experience and strength to the team. The series is seen as important preparation for future international events.
Shaheen Shah Afridi returns after recovering from a knee injury. The left-arm pacer picked up the injury during the Big Bash League in Australia earlier this month. He later appeared in a fitness test and was declared fully fit. After medical clearance, selectors included him in the final squad.
Babar Azam has also been recalled for the series. The right-handed batter is one of Pakistan’s most consistent performers in the shortest format. His return is expected to boost the batting unit. The three matches are scheduled for January 29, January 31, and February 1.
All matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Home conditions are expected to help Pakistan test combinations and strategies. The PCB is focusing on building a balanced side for upcoming tournaments.
Salman Ali Agha has been named captain of the T20I squad. The decision reflects the board’s plan to try leadership options. The selectors are giving chances to both senior and emerging players.
Despite strong performances in the Big Bash League, Haris Rauf has been left out. The fast bowler took 20 wickets in the tournament. His exclusion surprised many fans and experts.
The squad selection is also linked to the ICC Twenty20 World Cup. The World Cup will begin on February 7. Matches will be hosted in India and Sri Lanka. The PCB has confirmed that the World Cup squad will be announced next week.
Players selected for the Australia series will have a chance to impress selectors. Strong performances could improve their chances for the global event. The PCB aims to finalize its best combination soon.
The squad features a mix of experienced cricketers and young talent. The board believes this approach will help maintain competitiveness. The upcoming series is expected to offer valuable match practice.
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Pakistan T20 squad:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Muhammad Wasim Jr., Muhammad Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Muhammad Nawaz, Usman Tariq, Khawaja Muhammad Nafay, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Khan.
