Shaheen Afridi Returns From Injury, Babar Azam Retained Despite BBL Struggles in Pakistan's T20I Squad for Australia Series

Pakistan have named their 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, with significant selections that have set the cricket world talking. The series, to be played in Lahore, serves as the final preparation before both teams head to the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Shaheen Shah Afridi's Return: A Major Boost for Pakistan

The headline news from the squad announcement is the return of premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was sidelined from the Big Bash League last month after sustaining a knee ligament injury. His comeback provides Pakistan with their most potent weapon in the pace department as they prepare for the global showpiece event.

Afridi's presence in the squad signals that his recovery has progressed well, and selectors are confident he will be fit to lead the pace attack. He will be joined by Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Mirza, and the versatile Faheem Ashraf in the fast bowling contingent.

Babar Azam Retained Despite Underwhelming BBL Campaign

Perhaps the most debated selection is the retention of Babar Azam, whose recent Big Bash League stint with Sydney Sixers ended on a sour note. The former Pakistan captain managed just 202 runs across 11 innings at a strike rate of 103.06 – the lowest for any player who has ever scored over 200 runs in a BBL season.

The Steven Smith Incident

Babar's BBL campaign was marred by an on-field disagreement with teammate Steven Smith, who turned down a single off the last ball of an over to keep Babar off strike during a crucial group stage match. While the pair eventually reconciled, Babar's form suffered visibly, managing just one run in his next two innings following the incident.

The right-hander returned home before the BBL finals concluded, with official communications stating he had been called back for national duty. However, there were external calls – including from Australian cricket legend Mark Waugh – to drop Babar from the Sixers' starting XI.

Haris Rauf's Shock Omission

In a surprising turn of events, Haris Rauf has been left out of the squad despite being the highest wicket-taker at the BBL with 20 scalps. The express pacer's exclusion appears to stem from his expensive spell during the Asia Cup final against India in Dubai.

Rauf conceded 18 runs in the 18th over when India needed 30 from 18 balls, and then leaked another 13 from four deliveries in the final over when India required just 10 to win. That performance in the high-pressure scenario seems to have pushed him well down the pecking order in Pakistan's pace hierarchy.

Khawaja Nafay Retains Wicketkeeping Role

Young wicketkeeper Khawaja Nafay, who impressed on his debut during the recent Sri Lanka tour earlier this month, keeps his place as the designated gloveman. Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Khan provide additional wicketkeeping options in the squad.

Spin Department Looks Well-Stocked

Pakistan have named a robust spin contingent featuring Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, the experienced Shadab Khan, and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz. This combination offers variety with both wrist-spin and finger-spin options, crucial for the conditions expected in the subcontinent during the World Cup.

Leadership Under Salman Ali Agha

Salman Ali Agha continues to lead the T20I side, having taken over the captaincy responsibilities. His leadership will be tested against a strong Australian outfit, and how he manages his resources in this series could determine Pakistan's approach at the World Cup.

The Road to T20 World Cup 2026

This series represents Pakistan's final squad ahead of the T20 World Cup, making it the ultimate audition for players on the fringe. Pakistan remain among the few nations yet to announce their World Cup squad, adding intrigue to every performance in the Australia series.

The stakes are particularly high as Pakistan are scheduled to play the opening match of the tournament against Netherlands on 7 February in Colombo. The Lahore T20Is against Australia will be the last chance for players to cement their spots or force their way into World Cup contention.

Complete Pakistan T20I Squad

Captain: Salman Ali Agha

Batters: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub

Wicketkeepers: Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan

All-rounders: Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan

Spinners: Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

Fast Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza

What Lies Ahead

The Australia T20I series promises to be a fascinating contest between two competitive sides, both using this as a springboard for World Cup preparations. For Pakistan, the key will be integrating Shaheen Afridi back into the attack seamlessly while finding a way to get Babar Azam back to his imperious best before the global tournament begins.

With Haris Rauf's omission creating a talking point and young talents like Khawaja Nafay looking to establish themselves, this series offers plenty of subplots to follow as cricket's attention shifts to the subcontinent for what promises to be an exciting T20 World Cup.