Babar Azam’s T20I Return Uncertain Against South Africa

As the Pakistan Cricket Board finalizes its T20I squad for the upcoming three-match home series against South Africa, speculation intensifies around whether former captain Babar Azam will make his return to the shortest format after nearly a year on the sidelines. Conflicting reports suggest the selection committee remains divided on this crucial decision.

According to several insiders, including veteran cricket journalist Qadir Khawaja, all signs point toward the former captain’s return, although nothing is set in stone yet. Sources indicate that Babar Azam is likely to be part of the squad for the T20I series against South Africa, with selectors reconsidering his exclusion following Pakistan’s batting struggles.

The 31-year-old batter hasn’t played a single T20I since December 2024, with head coach Mike Hesson preferring other options since taking over white-ball coaching duties. However, his prolonged absence has coincided with continued batting fragilities rather than the improvement many had anticipated.

Despite widespread speculation about Babar’s imminent return, recent reports suggest the Pakistan team management has decided against recalling Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for the upcoming T20 series against South Africa, with Salman Ali Agha continuing as T20 captain.

This conflicting information highlights the internal debate within Pakistan cricket circles about the right path forward. Some members of the selection committee have expressed reservations about bringing Babar back into the T20 squad so soon, while others view his return as essential for team balance.

Pakistan’s batting shortcomings during the 2025 Asia Cup have only strengthened the argument for Babar’s return. Reports claiming selectors even considered calling him up midway through the tournament, though organizers clarified that squad changes could only be made in the event of player injury, effectively ruling out his Asia Cup participation.

The team’s inability to control middle-order collapses and stabilize innings during crucial matches exposed vulnerabilities that Babar’s presence might have addressed. Pakistan’s failure to win the Asia Cup despite reaching the final has prompted serious reassessment of selection policies.

Former captain Mohammad Hafeez has emerged as a prominent voice advocating for experienced players’ return. Speaking on The Dugout pre-match analysis show, Hafeez argued strongly that “Babar must be in this team,” adding that Pakistan’s team is “incomplete” without senior performers.

Hafeez emphasized that proper player management rather than wholesale exclusion represents the better approach: “The way to get performances, the way to utilise players—that is for the management to decide. But if we include these three players in our team, we will have a better chance to perform in any given condition against any opposition.”

It remains uncertain whether Babar Azam will resume his role as an opener after returning, or whether he will bat at number three or four. The flexibility in batting order placement suggests selectors are considering multiple tactical approaches depending on overall team composition.

With Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub establishing themselves as Pakistan’s T20I opening partnership during the Asia Cup, accommodating Babar requires creative squad management. His potential return could see him slot into the crucial number three position where his consolidation skills might prove most valuable.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam may not be the only big name returning to Pakistan’s squad, with reports suggesting that Naseem Shah is also likely to be included, especially if Shaheen Afridi is rested for the series.

Naseem’s potential inclusion addresses concerns about Pakistan’s pace bowling depth, particularly if veteran Shaheen receives workload management rest before the T20 World Cup. The young fast bowler’s ability to generate pace and bounce on home pitches makes him an attractive option.

With Pakistan looking to build a solid team combination for the T20 World Cup in February 2026, where challenging batting conditions are expected, Babar Azam could once again become the anchor of Pakistan’s batting lineup. His experience in major tournaments and proven ability to construct innings under pressure represents valuable assets.

The T20 World Cup timeline provides context for selection debates decisions made now will shape Pakistan’s tournament preparation and squad continuity heading into the global event.

Sources disclosed that T20 captain Salman Ali Agha’s performance came under close review, with his captaincy and batting in the Asia Cup “not living up to expectations” according to internal assessments. The management is reportedly exploring leadership alternatives or tactical changes to strengthen the T20 setup.

Agha’s future as captain could depend heavily on his remaining performances and whether the PCB views his leadership as sustainable long-term or merely transitional.

Babar Azam boasts impressive T20I statistics, including being the fastest to 5,000 ODI runs (97 innings), second-highest T20I run-scorer globally (4,223 runs) behind Rohit Sharma, and second-most fifties in T20I career.

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These credentials support arguments that Pakistan cannot afford to exclude one of its most successful batsmen indefinitely, particularly when experiments with younger players have not produced desired results.

The three-match T20I series will begin on October 28 in Rawalpindi, followed by two games at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. All eyes remain fixed on the squad announcement, with fans eagerly awaiting clarity on whether Babar makes the cut.

The PCB is expected to announce the white-ball squads for the South Africa series soon, finally resolving the speculation surrounding Babar’s potential comeback.

This selection debate reflects larger questions about Pakistan’s T20I strategy—whether to prioritize youth development and aggressive intent or return to experienced players who provide stability and reliability. The decision will signal the PCB’s philosophical direction heading into crucial tournament cycles.

As the squad announcement approaches, Pakistan cricket finds itself at a crossroads between maintaining recent experimental approaches or acknowledging that proven performers remain essential for competing against top opposition in high-stakes encounters.