Pakistan cricket team selectors are weighing recalls for Babar Azam and Naseem Shah for the late-October T20i’s against South Africa. Both star players are set to return for Pakistan in the coming days to provide the stability fans have been missing, especially since the last Asia Cup.
Selection outlook and player timelines
Officials say the pool remains open, with no player ruled out at this stage; therefore choices will hinge on balance and current form rather than reputation.
If picked, 31 year old Babar would reappear in the shortest format for the first time since facing South Africa in 2024.
Meanwhile, Naseem last played a T20I in November 2024 against Australia.
Furthermore, management is actively discussing an additional spinner to deepen middle-overs control.
Pitch approach and full tour schedule
The PCB has asked ground staff to avoid feather-bed surfaces and, instead, leave some grip and turn to test South Africa’s batting and support bowlers,especially spinners.
The T20i’s are starting from October 28 to November 1, starting in Rawalpindi and then shifting to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
After that, the ODI leg runs from November 4 to 8, with all three matches at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium.
Babar Azam’s stats while playing for Pakistan
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rates | 100’s | 50’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 60 | 4,300 | 42.57 | 54.37 | 9 | 29 |
| ODIs | 134 | 6,291 | 54.23 | 87.63 | 19 | 37 |
| T20Is | 128 | 4,223 | 39.83 | 129.22 | 3 | 36 |
Naseem Shah’s stats while playing for Pakistan
| Format | Matches | Wickets | BBI | Economy | 4 Wicket Haul | 5 Wicket Haul |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 20 | 60 | 5/31 | 3.70 | 2 | 1 |
| ODIs | 30 | 55 | 5/33 | 5.48 | 0 | 2 |
| T20Is | 30 | 25 | 3/21 | 8.01 | 0 | 0 |
