Babar, Afridi return as Pakistan unveil squad for Australia series
The series matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on January 29, 31 and February 1
By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Pakistan have named a 16-member squad for a three-match Twenty20 International series against Australia to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore later this month, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Thursday.
The series will be played on January 29, January 31 and February 1, with all matches starting at 4pm, marking Australia’s second T20I assignment on Pakistan soil after a one-off match in Lahore in April 2022.
Former captain Babar Azam and left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi return to the T20I setup after missing Pakistan’s recent three-match away series against Sri Lanka earlier this month. Their inclusion adds experience to a side that will be led by Salman Ali Agha.
All-rounder Shadab Khan, who made his comeback in the previous T20I series, retains his place and will spearhead a strong spin attack alongside Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq as Pakistan look to exploit familiar home conditions.
The squad also includes fast bowlers Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Junior and Faheem Ashraf while the batting lineup features Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan. Pakistan have named three wicketkeeping options in Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Khan.
The Pakistan squad and support staff are scheduled to assemble in Lahore on Saturday (tomorrow) with training and match preparations set to begin the following day, the PCB said.
Australia are expected to arrive in Pakistan on February 28 ahead of the series, which continues the gradual resumption of international cricket tours to the country.
The squad will be supported by a coaching and management team headed by former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson with Ashley Noffke serving as bowling coach and Shane McDermott as fielding coach. The support staff also includes medical, fitness, performance analysis and security personnel.
Pakistan squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper) and Usman Tariq.
Series schedule (all matches at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore):
Jan. 29 – First T20I
Jan. 31 – Second T20I
Feb. 1 – Third T20I
